Racing
Pfieffer wary ahead of Whinchat’s return
David Pfieffer is hoping Whinchat is on his best behaviour when he resumes at Rosehill.
There are two versions of Whinchat and trainer David Pfieffer is hoping the right one turns up when the talented but enigmatic sprinter kicks off his latest campaign at Rosehill.
The six-year-old resumes in the TAB Handicap (1400m) on Sunday having been off the scene since finishing unplaced in the Winter Stakes (1400m) in July.
That effort was part of a mixed preparation which included a narrow second in Listed grade at Scone and a solid fifth behind Headley Grange in similar company, a rocks and diamonds pattern that sums up the horse.
A barrier rogue at times, Whinchat's performances are often dictated by his mindset on the day and Pfieffer is the first to admit, he is never sure what to expect.
"Ask me after the race and we'll find out," Pfieffer said.
"We have done so much work on him, and it hasn't made a difference.
"But he is working great. His trials have been super. Speed is usually the key thing for him. If he can get to the front on his own, he is going to always be a danger."
A field of 15 and five emergencies has accepted for the benchmark 94 race and while Whinchat has drawn barrier 16, he will jump from 11 if the reserves don't run.
Pfieffer believes a wider gate suits Whinchat and the gelding is yet to miss a place in five first-up runs.
The trainer also unveiled a handy three-year-old at Warwick Farm on Wednesday in Ice Kool, who led throughout for a dominant debut win.
The son of Zoustar backed up some impressive performances at the barrier trials and Pfieffer is keen to aim him towards the Magic Millins Sunlight (1100m) in Queensland, a race taken out this year by subsequent Group 1 winner Private Harry.
"He has shown us he's got ability. He is going to go through his grades quickly and there's a three-year-old race at the Gold Coast that might catch out attention," Pfieffer said.
"The Sunlight is what I'm eyeing off. He's just needed time to mature and the time we have given him has worked out in our favour."
A slot race, the $3 million Sunlight (1100m) is at the Gold Coast on January 10.
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