Few know Whinchat better than regular rider Jay Ford, who has partnered the gelding in all seven of his career victories.

That familiarity will again be called upon when the David Pfieffer-trained galloper lines up in Saturday’s Listed Carrington Stakes (1400m) at Randwick.

The six-year-old heads into the race in arguably the best form of his career after leading throughout to score a strong benchmark 100 win at Wyong, a performance that pleased Ford.

“I’ve been with him from day dot,” Ford said.

“He’s been a long process, he’s always shown that ability, but he’s just had his quirks and whatnot.

“That was the first time he’d won in two years. He’s very talented, but he’s got a mind of his own and some days you see the best of him and other days you don’t.

“He got it all down pat really well the other day, so hopefully he can execute like that again, and the Carrington looks a lovely race for him.”

Whinchat has only placed once from four attempts at stakes level, going down narrowly to The Instructor in the Luskin Star Stakes (1300m) at Scone last May.

Ford believes careful management has been the key to getting the gelding back to peak form.

“He’s not a horse who can sustain long preparations,” he said.

“Once he gets into third up and fourth up, that’s when sort of we start having problems with him barrier-wise.

“From all reports, Dave said he’s pulled through his win the other day very well.

“He’s going to have a break, I’m pretty sure, after his next start.”

Whinchat has drawn barrier 12 of 13 for Saturday’s $200,000 feature and has opened a $3.60 favourite.