Superstar sprinter Buffering is headed to Perth to chase three straight wins at racing’s elite level following his outstanding all the way in Saturday’s $1 million VRC Sprint Classic (1200m) at Flemington.
Sent out as a drifting double figure chance despite a breakthrough win in the Manikato Stakes at his previous run, Buffering made all in a tough on speed performance.
Having now won two Group One events, Buffering will head west to the Winterbottom Stakes in a quest for three following Saturday’s three quarter length victory.
“There were probably a few unanswered questions after the Manikato because a couple of people thought he might have been lucky – but there was no luck in that today, it was pure guts, determination and ability,” trainer Robert Hearthcote said after the win.
“He (Damian Browne) put the pressure on coming to the 400 metres and I started to smile then.”
Heathcote confirmed the Perth trip and said the star sprinter would then return for a break in Queensland.
Making all in the famous straight dash, Buffering skipped clear of his rivals at the 400 metre mark and despite a strong finish from Shamexpress the win was never in doubt.
Fellow Magic Millions graduate Moment of Change ran his usual honest race, on the speed throughout, for a gutsy third.
A $22,000 purchase for Heathcote’s great friend, leading New Zealand based bloodstock agent Paul Willetts at the 2009 Magic Millions Gold Coast March Yearling Sale, Buffering has now earned over $3.8 million.
With 14 wins and 14 minor placings from 37 lifetime starts, Buffering has now confirmed his place as one of the country’s best and most popular racehorses.
One of 25 stakes winners for leading Vinery Stud sire Mossman, Buffering is one of four winners for the 100 per cent winner getter Action Annie.
A Sydney winning daughter of Anabaa, Action Annie is a half sister to the international stakes performers Instant Strike and Don’t Go Crazy.
His family includes stakes winning international stars including Martha Stevens, Relaxed Gesture, Evolving Tactics, Wait Till Monday and Edgy Diplomat.
Buffering was bred and sold by Kevin Dixon’s Racetree operation and was the first leg in a wonderful Queensland bred and sold Group One double with Boban a short time after winning the Emirates Stakes for the sunshine state.
Mossman, the sire of Buffering, has 14 yearlings catalogued for January’s Gold Coast Yearling Sale including a filly from Group One winner Allow and half brothers to last week’s South African group winner Royal Zulu Warrior and Aussie stakes winners Latin News and Scream Machine.
To see a replay of the great win of Buffering click here.
Winner: Buffering
Breeding: Mossman-Action Annie (Anabaa)
Race: VRC Sprint Classic G1 (1200m)
Sold for: $22,000
Sale: 2009 Magic Millions Gold Coast March Yearling Sale
Vendor: Racetree
Buyer: Paul Willetts
Earnings: $3,810,900
Owner(s): Mrs V Heathcote, S Krslovic, C Moore, R Ciobo, D Merola, C Lord, Crafty Racing Synd, Aspariamo Racing Synd & B Harry
Trainer: Robert Heathcote (Eagle Farm)
