Barrier Concerns But Winter Stakes Up Whinchat's Alley

Pfieffer reckons quirky galloper can excel in Sydney's Listed race

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SYDNEY - For a quirky horse like Whinchat, keeping him calm and relaxed is half the battle won. For that reason, trainer David Pfieffer is likely to run the son of Russian Revolution in the Listed Winter Stakes (1,400m) at Rosehill on July 5.

The five-year-old gelding, who is also nominated at Sunshine Coast in the Listed Glasshouse Handicap (1,400m) on July 5, has certain idiosyncrasies, especially in the barriers, that can make things tricky for riders.

His eccentric behaviour was on full show two starts back in the Singapore Pools Handicap, a Benchmark 94 race (1,300m) at Royal Randwick on June 7.

Ridden by regular partner Jay Ford, the 23-10 favourite missed the start by six lengths and elected to come from behind instead, but he did not threaten at all, finishing second-last to the Joseph Pride-trained Headley Grange.

Pfieffer could not hide his disappointment.

"I think the horse is flying," said the New South Wales trainer.