Buffering is one of seven competitors that will line up to take on Black Caviar as she attempts to win her 13th straight race in the $400,000 BTC Cup at Doomben tomorrow.
While realistic about his winning chances, trainer Robert Heathcote is confident in his horse’s ability to produce a performance of a lifetime in the race.
“He’s got the ability to park up on the speed,” Heathcote said.
“He’s shown under pressure he’s got that desire and willingness to really give it 100 per cent.”
Heathcote plans to run Buffering differently to when he won the Group 2 Victory Stakes last start, asking the jockey to take him forward early.
“We’ll come out a little more aggressive tomorrow,” Heathcote said.
“We’ll certainly be going forward.”
While Heathcote anticipates his horse will be well beaten by the mighty Black Caviar, he is thankful for her presence in the horse racing industry.
“What it’s done is put racing on the front cover,” Heathcote said of the super mare.
“It’s really invigorated our sport and our industry.”
No-matter how Buffering fares against Black Caviar in tomorrow’s BTC Cup, the three-year-old will be aimed at both the Group 1 Doomben 10,000 and the $1 million Stradbroke Handicap later in the carnival.
“It’s the logical path,” Heathcote said.
“Obviously our grand final is going to be the Stradbroke now.”
According to Heathcote, the handicappers are likely to give Buffering a light weight of 50.5 kilograms when he starts in the Stradbroke Handicap.
The trainer is confident that Buffering will excel out to 1,400 metres in the Stradbroke Handicap.
“The riders that have ridden him in the past have all said they don’t see a problem with him going 1,400 metres,” Heathcote said.
The BTC Cup is due to run as Race 7 on BTC Cup Day tomorrow and is scheduled to jump at 3.50pm (AEST).
