Carrington Stakes 2026 then paddock for exciting Whinchat
Regular rider Jay Ford is hopeful Whinchat can cap his campaign with a strong showing in Saturday’s Listed Carrington Stakes (1400m) at Randwick.
The David Pfieffer-trained gelding heads into the race following a dominant front-running win at Wyong, his first victory in two years.
Ford, who has partnered Whinchat in all seven of his career wins, said the key to the gelding is understanding his temperament.
“I’ve been with him from day dot,” Ford said.
“He’s always shown the ability, but he’s got his quirks.
“The other day he did everything right and when he does that, he’s very hard to beat.
“Hopefully he can do the same again on Saturday because the Carrington looks a really nice race for him.”
Whinchat’s only stakes placing came when narrowly beaten in the Luskin Star Stakes (1300m), and Ford believes careful placement has brought him back to peak form.
“He’s not a horse that handles long preps,” Ford said.
“Once he gets deep into a preparation, that’s when he starts to do things wrong.
“Dave said he’s come through his last run really well, but he’ll probably have a break after this.”
Whinchat has drawn barrier 12 of 13 for Saturday’s $200,000 feature and is currently the $3.60 market elect.
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