Mister Whiskers is arriving at Flemington on Tuesday in strong winning form, and his trainer, Charlotte Littlefield, believes even greater achievements could be on the horizon.
Following Concord Connie’s commendable second in the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes last Saturday, a significant achievement for Littlefield’s modest stable, her Melbourne Cup Carnival campaign continues. Mister Whiskers is set to compete in the One Pool Handicap over 1800 metres.
The three-year-old colt was initially withdrawn from the Group 3 Carbine Club Stakes, contested over the same distance. Instead, he steps up in journey after a maiden victory over 1415 metres on debut, followed by a win over the mile at Caulfield on October 17.
Littlefield commented on the Saturday race, which was won by The Roaring Sun, stating, “He would have been a forgotten horse in that race.”
She elaborated on her decision-making: “My gut feel was that this race is Tuesday is a better option at the longer distance and I want to teach him to be a horse that settles as I see Derby potential in him next preparation.”
The ultimate goal is the ATC Australian Derby (2400m) at Randwick in April, a target Littlefield is pursuing with conviction.
“He performed well at his second race start and goes up in grade. Everyone was noticing that he just hung on to win that race but it was a big effort and he wasn’t conditioned to have that sustained long sprint,” she explained.
“He could have been judged harshly on that run but there is a lot more to come from him.”
Littlefield added, “If he can get some cover, we might see something different from him. I want him to be able to settle and not have to lead in a mad speed that Saturday’s race could have been.”
In a sentiment echoing Littlefield’s view on the optimal distance, Star Of Macedon’s co-trainer John Symons also favoured the 1800m for the Zoustar colt, having withdrawn him from the same engagement.
For those looking to back Mister Whiskers, the Australian betting sites offer competitive racing odds.