Buffering best in the west

Queensland bulldog Buffering confirmed his status as Australia’s champion sprinter with a third straight Group 1 in the Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) at Ascot on Saturday.

Buffering (6g Mossman – Action Annie by Anabaa) was coming off victories the MVRC Manikato Stakes and VRC Sprint Classic before travelling west to claim Perth’s premier short-course event.

Taking up his customary front running role, Buffering just lasted to win by a nose over Moment Of Change (Barely A Moment).  Third home, more than a length in arrears, was Waterman’s Bay (Eternity Range).

Trainer Rob Heathcote decided to take up an offer from Perth racing authorities instead of heading to Hong Kong next month.  “What can I say, he’s a champion,” Heathcote said.  “He’s an extraordinary little animal and very resilient.”

Ridden by regular jockey Damian Browne, Buffering has now notched 15 wins from 38 starts and the Winterbottom lifted his prizemoney past the $4 million barrier.

“He’s a great horse,” Browne claimed.  “Moment Of Change had me on the canvass but my bloke kept digging in.  He gives his heart when he’s down and out.”

A son of Vinery Stud sire Mossman, Buffering was bred in Queensland by Kevin Dixon and sold through his Racetree operation for $22,000 at the 2009 Gold Coast Magic Millions March Sale.

Mossman is now in the Top 5 on the Australian sires’ premiership behind Monsun, Snitzel, Fastnet Rock and Exceed And Excel.  He stands for a $19,800 (inc gst) service fee at Vinery.

Besides Buffering’s heroics, his Melbourne spring carnival stakes winners included Dothraki (LR Flemington), Plucky Belle (G3 Flemington) and Second Effort (G3 Caulfield).  Mossman also sired South African G2 winner Royal Zulu Warrior earlier this month.

Mossman (Success Express) has 14 lots catalogued in Books 1 & 2 for the 2014 Gold Coast Magic Millions including a filly from Group 1 winner Allow and a three quarter brother to Royal Zulu Warrior.