Champion sprinter Buffering will head back overseas via the Gold Coast after a consummate victory in the G1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) at Ascot on Saturday.
The Mossman gelding was never headed against a top-class field of short-course horses to win a second Winterbottom in Perth. It was his 6th Group 1 and he clocked 1.08.17s to break the race-record held by Testa Rossa’s Ortensia.
“I was a bit worried on the turn,” trainer Robert Heathcote admitted. “I thought he could have been an extra length ahead but he just kept going.
“I’ve said it so many times…he’s a wonderful, wonderful horse. He’s sound, happy and retains his enthusiasm for racing. We will go back home for the Magic Millions Sprint and then look at Dubai and Royal Ascot.
“It didn’t work out when we took him to Hong Kong but why not give him another international campaign? We’ve looked after him. He’s in good order and hasn’t been over-raced.”
Buffering arrived in the west fresh from another successful spring carnival in Melbourne. He won a third G1 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley and was just behind the placegetters in the G1 Manikato Stakes and G1 Darley Classic.
The cult hero from Queensland was a class above them in Perth’s $1 million sprint winning by a length from Waterman’s Bay and Fast ‘N’ Rocking. “That was painless,” jockey Damien Browne said. “I was confident the whole way and he gave a good kick at the top of the straight.
“He did a super job and is at the top of his game!”
Buffering (8g Mossman – Action Annie by Anabaa) earned another $617,000 on Saturday to increase his bankroll to $5.8 million. He cost just $22,000 as a yearling from the Racetree draft at the 2009 Gold Coast Magic Millions.
Mossman celebrated his 20th birthday at Vinery on November 3 and is covering his latest book at a $27,500 (inc gst) service fee.
