Jockey Jay Ford is preparing for the upcoming Civic Stakes at Royal Randwick with hopes that Whinchat, a talented sprinter, will bring his A-game. Despite Whinchat’s past erratic behavior at the gates, Ford remains optimistic about the horse’s potential in the $200,000 feature race.
Whinchat, known for his barrier antics, has shown significant improvement in recent outings, winning three city races impressively last season. However, his last start was marred by a gate incident that resulted in a delayed start. Ford acknowledges that while Whinchat has made progress, there is always a chance of unpredictable behavior resurfacing.
Following the gate mishap, stewards sent Whinchat back to trials where he showcased his abilities by winning his heat. Despite drawing the outside gate for the Civic Stakes, Ford sees this as a non-issue for the one-dimensional horse, emphasizing that Whinchat’s racing style may benefit from the wider draw.
With a competitive field of 16 in the Civic Stakes, Ford anticipates a challenging race given the presence of other on-pace runners like Willaidow and Iknowastar. Ford notes that Whinchat’s racing style is less adaptable, and if he fails to secure a front-running position, he tends to become agitated and difficult to manage.
Bookmakers have rated Whinchat as a $12 chance in the Civic Stakes, with Joe Pride’s Headley Grange leading the early betting at $3.20. Despite the odds, Ford remains focused on securing his second Civic Stakes win, having previously triumphed aboard Liapari in 2018.
As Ford gears up for the race day, he has a full card of five rides, including longshot contenders like Rogue Bear and Time Quest. The experienced jockey is set to kick off his day with Dr Evil in the Midway Handicap, followed by Everlasting Stars in the TAB Highway Class 3 Handicap, showcasing his versatility across different race categories.
With the Civic Stakes drawing near, all eyes are on Whinchat and Ford as they aim to overcome past challenges and deliver a standout performance at Royal Randwick. The unpredictability of horse racing adds an element of excitement to the event, leaving fans and punters eagerly anticipating the outcome of this highly anticipated race.
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