Free Thinker will line up in barrier three in The Hayden, with slot holders GSM Racing locking in the highly rated three-year-old, who has posted five wins and eight placings from 16 starts.
GSM Racing’s Greg Mitchell said the race would suit the bay gelding.
“Going through the QBRED three-year-olds, I thought he was probably the most progressive and best three-year-old available so we went and spoke to the owner and came up with a plan,” Mitchell said.
“Being trained by Grant (Dixon) was obviously a significant bonus.
“I think Free Thinker is still coming forward, the bottom’s not there - I think he’s got good gate speed which is what we need.
“He’ll be in front at some stage, for how long who knows - that’ll be the plan, and the four-year-olds will have to chase us.
“It’s a good concept, I’m glad we’re doing something different – I think slot races have been overdone so to do a different style I think is what the market and the industry’s looking for.”
Racing Queensland’s Senior Harness Racing Manager David Brick said he expected more quality runners to be confirmed for The Hayden soon.
“With over $230,000 in prize money on offer and a win guaranteeing entry into the Eureka, this race will be one not to be missed during the Queensland Constellations,” he said.
“As runners are required to be three and four-year-old QBRED pacers that are Queensland-trained and Queensland-driven, I’m looking forward to seeing who else will be signing up to run.
“We are expecting to confirm the remaining six slots for The Hayden shortly so watch this space.”
More than $3 million in prize money and bonuses will be up for grabs across seven weeks of the Constellations, which includes eight Group 1s.
Click here for more information on The Hayden.