The Group One Manikato Stakes is on the agenda for star Queensland sprinter Buffering following his tough all the way win in today’s Group Three Ian McEwen Trophy (1000m) at Moonee Valley.
Prepared at Eagle Farm by Robert Heathcote, Buffering made it win number eight from start 17 when he held on for a gutsy win after showing high speed throughout.
Heathcote and connections were understandably thrilled with the narrow, but impressive victory.
“It’s an enormous thrill,” Heathcote said. “It would be my biggest thrill in Melbourne, even though I had him here last year and he ran some good races.”
“That was his first win down here – it’s great for the Queenslanders.”
“I have to give credit to (winning rider) Damian Browne. Up at home we all know how good he is.”
“I think he just showed the locals down here – it was a pretty good ride out there today,” Heathcote added.
When asked whether Buffering would run next in the Manikato Stakes at this track under lights – Heathcote was matter of fact – “you betcha.”
“We’re excited. He’s a little $20,000 horse and he’s getting up toward a mill(ion) now.”
In the Manikato Stakes, Buffering would most likely clash with boom three-year-old Sepoy and champion mare More Joyous.
Buffering, a son of Mossman and graduate of Racetree in Queensland, was purchased by New Zealand based agent Paul Willetts on behalf of connections for $22,000 at the 2009 Magic Millions QTIS 600 Yearling Sale.
He has turned out an incredible money spinner – having now earned an ever increasing $897,400.
Buffering is one of three winners produced by his dam, the Sydney winning Anabaa mare Action Annie.
She is a half sister to the international stakes performers Instant Strike and Don’t Go Crazy.
Further back it is the same family as international Group One winners including Relaxed Gesture and Martha Stevens.
Winner: Buffering
Breeding: Mossman-Action Annie (Anabaa)
Race: MVRC Ian McEwen Trophy G3 (1000m)
Sold for: $22,000
Sale: 2009 Magic Millions QTIS 600 Yearling Sale
Vendor: Racetree
Buyer: Paul Willetts
Earnings: $897,400
Owner(s): Mrs V Heathcote, M Vrlic, S Krslovic, C Moore, R Ciobo, S Chipperfield, C Lord, Crafty Racing Synd, Aspariamo Racing Synd & B Harry
Trainer: Robert Heathcote (Eagle Farm)
