CLASSY pacer Whenmechief will continue his march towards the South Australia Cup when he heads to Globe Derby on Saturday night.
In what will be his second start from a spell, Whenmechief is being raced along steadily by trainer Darren Billinger in preparation for the January 13 feature.
The gelding finished third behind Smolda and Jilliby Jagger in last season’s edition of the Group One.
“The Cup is the obvious aim with him, so his program will be based around that,” Billinger said. “He will follow a pretty similar schedule to the one he did this time last year.
“Ironically, that schedule included racing on December 9, which is the date on Saturday night. He finished second on that occasion, so hopefully he will go one better this time.
“Like last year, I’m looking at the Christmas Cup then another suitable race between that and the SA Cup.”
Scoring first-up from a break last week, Whenmechief has drawn barrier seven – the outside of the front row – over the 1385-metre dash.
Pleased with the seven-year-old’s progress, Billinger stated Whenmechief will improve this time around.
“He got an easy trip last week when first-up and needed the run,” Billinger said. “He will definitely improve for the outing.
“His work has been good, but he’s still not quite at his peak. Nonetheless, they will know he is there.
“Over such a short distance I imagine it will be handle bars down, which will suit him.
“He will be better again for this week’s run and be at his top in time for the Cup.”
