Group 1 on the radar for Buffering

The Group 1 Manikato Stakes is on the radar for Queensland sprinter Buffering following his victory in the G3 Ian McEwen Trophy (1000m) at Moonee Valley on Saturday.

The Manikato will be run under lights at Moonee Valley on Friday, September 30.  It’s also on the agenda for boom three-year-old Sepoy and champion mare More Joyous.

Buffering (4g Mossman – Action Annie by Anabaa) made it 8 wins from 17 starts with an all the way victory in the McEwen.  He defeated the G1 winners Crystal Lily (Stratum) and Atomic Force (Commands) in a three-way photo-finish.

“It’s my biggest thrill in Melbourne.” trainer Robert Heathcote said.  “The blinkers went on to make him really ping.”

Buffering had won at G2 level in the AJC Roman Consul Stakes and BRC Sir Byrne Hart Stakes last season.  He was third behind Black Caviar and Hay List in the G1 BTC Cup at Doomben and fourth to Star Witness in the G1 VRC Coolmore Stud Stakes at Flemignton.

Part-owned by former Socceroos Zjelko Kalac, Craig Moore and Scott Chipperfield, he is a son of Vinery sire Mossman and was purchased for just $22,000 from the Racetree draft at the 2009 Magic Millions QTIS yearling sale.

Buffering is one of three winners produced by Sydney winning mare Action Annie.  She is a half sister to the international stakes performers Instant Strike and Don’t Go Crazy.

Woorim completed a Moonee Valley double for Heathcote on Saturday.  The Show A Heart gelding will have another crack at the G1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday week.  He ran third to Response in that event last year.

Heathcote will strengthen his travelling team with G2 winning mare Fillydelphia (Bianconi) next month.