For a quirky horse such as Whinchat, keeping him calm and relaxed is half the battle, and for that reason, trainer David Pfeiffer is likely to run in the Listed Winter Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill on Saturday.
Also nominated at Sunshine Coast, the five-year-old has certain idiosyncrasies, especially in the barriers, that can make things tricky for riders.
That was on full show two starts back at Randwick in a benchmark 94 race where the $3.30 favourite missed the start by six lengths and finished 13th.
“I think the horse is flying,” Pfeiffer said.
“It was highly unfortunate he reared in the gates second up because I thought it was his race to win.”
Either side of that run, Whinchat has led at fast tempos from wide barriers, and Pfeiffer is hoping the six-time winner can draw better and find a race with less pressure for the front after being beaten less than two lengths in the Listed Civic Stakes (1400m) last time out.
“Last start we had four leaders in the race and I thought he put in a very good effort.
“A few of the speed horses I thought might be there (on Saturday) aren’t there, and with his history in the barriers I’d be terrified of travelling interstate.”
An injury forced Whinchat to miss a year of racing leading into this campaign and Pfeiffer said he’s just taken a bit more time to come to hand as an older gelding.
“He came back for a preparation, had two trials and then dd a ligament behind his knee. Nothing overly dramatic, but it was just enough to give him a few months off.
“We’ve taken it slow, but like all of us, when you’re getting old you hold a bit more weight and it takes a little bit longer to get fitter.
“He’s come through that tough run well. Jay Ford worked him Tuesday morning on the course proper and he went great, recovered well.
“He just needs a bit of breathing time. I think it’s achievable to win a stakes race with him, and the race on Saturday should be right up his alley.”
Whinchat is rated a $13 chance across all-in markets for the Winter Stakes, with regular rider Jay Ford once again engaged.
