Whinchat working well ahead of the 2025 Winter Stakes

David Pfeiffer is weighing up options for his enigmatic gelding Whinchat, with the Listed Winter Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill shaping as the preferred target.

Known for his tricky behaviour at the gates, Whinchat has cost himself chances, most notably when rearing at the start and losing six lengths in a Randwick benchmark race last month.

“He’s going great, but that barrier mishap second-up really hurt us,” Pfeiffer said. “It was his race to win, and he blew it before the jump.”

Despite tough runs from wide draws, Whinchat has been racing well, including a close-up finish in the Listed Civic Stakes (1400m), where he was beaten less than two lengths.

“That was a brutally run race with four natural leaders,” Pfeiffer said. “This time, it looks a better setup, and I’d prefer to keep him in Sydney with his barrier habits.”

The rising six-year-old missed most of last year with a ligament issue and has taken longer to come to hand this time around.

“He did a ligament behind the knee, not serious, but enough to warrant a spell. As an older horse, he takes a bit longer to trim up and get fit,” Pfeiffer explained.

Jay Ford will again take the reins and was pleased with Whinchat’s work during the week. Pfeiffer is confident the gelding is ready to perform.

Currently rated a $13 outsider, Whinchat will look to capitalise on a better barrier and more favourable tempo in the Winter Stakes.

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