Whinchat on trial for the 2025 Magic Millions Sunlight

Whinchat returns to racing at Rosehill on Sunday, and trainer David Pfieffer is hoping the talented but temperamental sprinter brings his best version to the track.

The six-year-old lines up in the TAB Handicap (1400m) after being sidelined since his unplaced showing in July’s Winter Stakes (1400m).

His last campaign produced a mix of strong and below-par performances, including a narrow Listed placing at Scone and a fifth behind Headley Grange, highlighting the gelding’s inconsistent streak.

A handful at the barriers and known for unpredictable race-day moods, Whinchat continually keeps his trainer guessing.

“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.”

With 15 starters and five emergencies, Whinchat has come up with barrier 16 but will move into gate 11 if the reserves withdraw.

Pfieffer isn’t deterred, believing the wider alley will aid the gelding, who is a perfect five-from-five in first-up placings.

The stable unveiled another emerging prospect at Warwick Farm midweek when Ice Kool led from start to finish to win on debut.

The Zoustar gelding impressed in trials and has now earned consideration for the Magic Millions Sunlight (1100m) at the Gold Coast.

“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 our 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.”

The lucrative $3 million Sunlight (1100m) is scheduled for January 10 at the Gold Coast.

Compare odds for Whinchat’s return run and the Magic Millions races at Australia’s leading bookmakers via top betting sites.