Jay Ford knows better than anyone how to get the best out of Whinchat, and the experienced hoop is hoping to guide the gelding to another win in Saturday’s Listed Carrington Stakes (1400m) at Randwick.

Ford has partnered Whinchat in all seven of his career victories and says patience has been the key to unlocking the gelding’s ability.

Whinchat arrives at the race in strong form after leading throughout to claim a Benchmark 100 at Wyong, his first win in two years.

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

“He’s always had ability, but he’s had his quirks.

“That was the first time he’d won in two years, and it was good to see him do it so well.

“Some days you get the best of him and other days you don’t, but he really put it together last start.”

The six-year-old has had limited success at stakes level, his best effort coming when narrowly beaten in the Luskin Star Stakes at Scone.

Ford believes managing Whinchat’s workload is crucial.

“He’s not a horse who can handle long campaigns,” he said.

“Once he gets to his third or fourth run, that’s when things can start going wrong.

“He’s come through his last run really well and I think this will be his final run before a break.”

Whinchat will jump from barrier 12 of 13 in the $200,000 feature and has opened a clear $3.60 favourite.