Queensland trainer Liam Birchley is hoping the recent rain in Sydney proves fortuitous for Saturday’s Civic Stakes contender Whateverwhenever on two fronts.
It has posed serious challenges for local trainers trying to maintain the fitness of their teams with meetings washed out, horses missing runs and trackwork restrictions.
But with no such issues for the Brisbane-based Birchley, he is hoping Whateverwhenever can capitalise on an uninterrupted preparation for Saturday’s Listed 1350m sprint.
“I’m hoping so, but in saying that it’s never easy and I respect the opposition,” Birchley said.
“It’s just a matter of everything working out on the day.
“Whenever you travel there are always a few wildcards there you have to deal with.
“But she’s in good form and hopefully she can do herself justice on Saturday.”
Whateverwhenever also excels on wet going and despite drying weather this week, Rosehill will still be rain-affected on Saturday.
The five-year-old scored her most significant victory on a dead track at Caulfield last spring in the Group Three Moonga Stakes.
She was responsible for one of her best performances on a slow surface last start when an eye-catching fifth to Red Tracer in the Group One Tatt’s Tiara.
It is a handy formline for a Listed winter sprint in Sydney.
“Her last run was probably one of the best of her career,” Birchley said.
Whateverwhenever has drawn barrier two in the field of eight and will be ridden for the first time by Tim Clark.
While Clark’s partnership with the mare is new, his teaming with Birchley is not.
“He’s a world-class jockey and he’s ridden for me before. I was pretty impressed with him,” Birchley said.
While Whateverwhenever has been racing in great heart, Birchley concedes she is nearing the end of her racing career.
No final determination has been made on her future but Birchley feels she will struggle to be competitive again during a Melbourne spring carnival unless conditions are favourable.
“Unless the track is rain-affected she’s probably not up to that level,” he said.
“It’s a bit tricky to place her so I’d say she would more than likely go to stud this season.”
Another black-type win on her resume before then would be a bonus.
