G1 Moir Stakes beckons Buffering

Robert Heathcote notched his 100th winner of the season at Doomben on Wednesday but he was more interested in talking up stable star Buffering.

The son of Vinery sire Mossman has returned to work for a Group 1 spring campaign.  “He looked in sensational order back at the track this morning,” Heathcote said.  “He only had a few weeks off after the winter carnival.”

Buffering (5g Mossman – Action Annie by Anabaa) was runner-up to Linton in the Stradbroke Hcp in June.  It was his 9th Group 1 placing and connections are plotting a breakthrough at the elite level in Melbourne.

“Turning for home in the Stradbroke, they were either going to have to run terrific sectionals or not go around a horse to beat him,” Brisbane premier trainer recalled.  “That’s what Linton did but full credit to my horse.  He tried his guts out.

“Buffering runs his best races fresh and we will target the Moir Stakes again,” Heathcote forecast.  “The Manikato is also on the schedule before we go to Flemington.”

The MVRC Moir Stakes, which Buffering won in 2012, has been upgraded to Group 1 level in September and the MVRC Manikato Stakes will be worth $1 million on Cox Plate weekend.

Buffering is owned in partnership by former Socceroos Zjelko Kalac, Craig Moore and Scott Chipperfield.  They bought him for $22,000 at the 2009 Magic Millions QTIS yearling sale and he’s banked over $2.52 million.

Back-to-back Queensland Horse Of The Year titles is a distinct possibility after three G2 victories and two G1 placings in 8 starts this season.

Buffering is the flag-bearer among 23 stakes winners by Mossman.  The Vinery stallion has sired 290 individual winner at a buoyant 67% strike-rate.  He will stand for a $19,800 (inc gst) fee this year.