Whinchat eyes stakes success after strong recent performances

Trainer David Pfieffer is optimistic that Whinchat, a free-running frontrunner, is nearing a significant stakes race breakthrough following his improved form last start.

After an early speed battle with Phearson compromised his first-up run in the Luskin Star Stakes (1300m), Whinchat took up the running from an outside gate in the Civic Stakes (1400m). He held on gamely to finish second to Midnight Dynamite.

"I was really happy and proud of my bloke's performance. It's good to see him show what he can do for us," Pfieffer commented. "I'd just love to see him win a stakes race. He's run a couple of placings (in that grade), so hopefully it can come in his next couple of starts."

Whinchat boasts seven wins from 20 starts and has a solid record over the Winter Stakes course and distance, having won twice previously. His main challenge has been his behaviour in the starting stalls, but when he secures an unchallenged lead, he is remarkably difficult to catch.

This weekend, Whinchat has drawn barrier eight, a marked improvement from his previous wider draws. This contrasts with Midnight Dynamite, who will start from gate 11 in the 15-horse field at Rosehill. Pfieffer believes this barrier advantage could be crucial in Whinchat turning the tables.

"When this horse gets out in front and gets his own way, gets unchallenged, he is always going to be hard to run down," Pfieffer explained. "With the likes of Midnight Dynamite, he got a good gate last start so it allowed him to get a nice run in transit, where drawn a bit wider, he's got to use himself a bit more mid-race. That's ultimately how races are defined a lot of the time, by barriers. Especially in big fields and we look like getting that on Saturday."

The gelding will contest the Rosehill feature race third-up and has the Winter Challenge (1400m) slated for later this month, with potential for longer distances in the future. Pfieffer's long-term strategy involves targeting races later in the year once the top-class carnival horses are resting.

"We'll most likely race this Saturday then go around in the Winter Challenge two weeks after," Pfieffer stated. "Then we'll consider a country Cup. I'd like to see him out over a mile at some stage. There are some nice races later in the year for him. We're not going to be in the thick of spring or autumn, so we've got to go around where he can be most competitive."

The Winter Challenge will see General Salute carrying the top weight of 58.5kg, while five horses, including the promising Glorious Moments from Jim and Greg Lee's stable, will carry the minimum 53kg.

Check out the latest racing odds for the upcoming feature race at online bookmakers.