Buffering is set to contest the 2015 Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley on Saturday and trainer Robert Heathcote has revealed that he is more confident ahead of this Group 1 race then he was before the popular sprinter’s win in the Group 1 Moir Stakes (1200m) on October 2.
Buffering was too good for his rivals in the Moir Stakes and he has the chance to win another Group 1 in the Manikato Stakes. Photo by: Ultimate Racing Photos
Buffering was sent to Hong Kong at the end of the 2015 Spring Racing Carnival for the Group 1 Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) at Sha Tin on December 14 and he finished a credible sixth, but he suffered an injury after he returned to Australia that kept him out of the 2015 Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival.
The Mossman gelding was set for a racing return in the Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley on October 2 and neither Heathcote nor punters were particularly optimistic about his chances against the likes of Petits Filous, but he took up the running in the early stages of the race and he kicked away from his rivals at the top of the straight to record his fifth win at the highest level of racing.
Heathcote said at the Manikato Stakes barrier draw this morning that he was simply glad that Buffering got through the Moir Stakes in one piece, but he is confident that his star galloper has taken plenty of improvement out of his first-up run and will go into the Manikato Stakes in outstanding condition after working strongly at Flemington this morning.
“It is always a delight to come back here – it is probably my favourite racetrack in the world,” Heathcote said of Moonee Valley.
“It was just a relief more than anything to get Buff back.
“Any older horse that suffers an injury it is a tough road to get them back and we gave him plenty of time.
“Going into the Moir it was more anxiety than anything.
“He has come through that in great order and we are pretty excited.
“With these elite athletes you really just tick them over from race to race and we haven’t done a lot with him.
“The thing that pleased me this morning in his workout at Flemington was his keenness and his enthusiasm.”
Buffering is currently available at 2015 Manikato Stakes odds of $7.50 with Ladbrokes and he is on the fourth line of betting behind T.J Smith Stakes winner Chautauqua ($2), Darley Classic winner Terravista ($5.50) and talented mare Srikandi ($6.50).
Don’t miss out on the 2015 Manikato Stakes special that is available with Ladbrokes, who are offering Best Tote or Starting Price +20% on every single runner in the race!
