David Pfieffer is hoping the right version of Whinchat turns up on Sunday as the mercurial sprinter resumes his racing campaign at Rosehill.

The gelding steps out in the TAB Handicap (1400m), his first appearance since finishing down the track in the Winter Stakes (1400m) in July.

That run came amid a preparation of mixed results, including a narrow Listed placing at Scone and a gritty fifth to Headley Grange, perfectly summing up his hot-and-cold tendencies.

A handful at the barriers and unpredictable on race day, Whinchat’s fortunes usually hinge on his mental state.

“Ask me after the race and we’ll find out,” Pfieffer said.

“We have done so much work on him, and it hasn’t made a difference.

“But he is working great. His trials have been super. Speed is usually the key thing for him. If he can get to the front on his own, he is going to always be a danger.”

Whinchat has drawn barrier 16 in a capacity field of 15 plus five emergencies but will jump from gate 11 if the reserves come out.

Pfieffer is comfortable with a wider starting position and pointed out that Whinchat has never missed a placing in five first-up outings.

The stable also unearthed a promising type during the week when Ice Kool led throughout to win easily on debut at Warwick Farm.

The Zoustar youngster had hinted at ability in earlier trials, and Pfieffer has already earmarked a Queensland feature—the Magic Millions Sunlight (1100m).

“He has shown us he’s got ability. He is going to go through his grades quickly and there’s a three-year-old race at the Gold Coast that might catch our attention,” Pfieffer said.

“The Sunlight is what I’m eyeing off. He’s just needed time to mature and the time we have given him has worked out in our favour.”

The $3 million Sunlight (1100m) will be held at the Gold Coast on January 10.

Punters considering a wager on Whinchat or Ice Kool can compare odds at Australia’s best online bookmakers via top betting sites.