Trainer Robert Heathcote has declared Buffering one of the world’s best sprinters after the gelding’s gutsy victory in the G1 Moir Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley.

On a weekend when Melbourne and Sydney teams will fight out the AFL Grand Final, Buffering arrived from Brisbane to successfully launch his fifth spring campaign down south.

The champion son of Vinery sire Mossman won the 2012 Moir Stakes and was runner-up in last year’s edition to More Than Ready mare Samaready.  He made all the running on Friday night to score a decisive victory over Lankan Rupee and Rebel Dane.

“Buff’s back,” an excited Heathcote said.  “Lankan Rupee was rated the undisputed best sprinter in the world and we just beat him.  So what does that make us?

“He’s a bulldog.  It’s just great to have him back because I thought he was a little off his game in the autumn.”

Buffering (7g Mossman – Action Annie by Anabaa) will now attempt another hat-trick of spring sprints in the G1 Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley and G1 VRC Darley Classic at Flemington.  He completed the treble last year before winning the G1 Winterbottom Stakes at Ascot.

Heathcote has indicated Buffering will go to Hong Kong later this year instead of travelling to Perth.  “Bring on Hong Kong.  I think it’s fair to say if my bloke is not the best sprinter in the world, he’s in the Top 3.”

Buffering cost $22,000 at the 2009 Magic Millions QTIS Sale and has now won 16 races and $4.75 million in prizemoney.  His dam Action Annie has a yearling colt by Mossman’s Group 2 winning son Love Conquers All.

Mossman is the sire of 30 stakes winners and is standing for a $27,500 (inc gst) fee at Vinery.