TRAINER Robert Heathcote has declared ace sprinter Buffering a certain starter in the Group 1 VRC Patinack Classic (1200m) on November 10 despite his Manikato disappointment last Friday night.
The Queensland based son of Mossman turned un an unusually mild effort in the Moonee Valley feature but Heathcote remains intent giving the horse his chance to avenge his second in last year’s sprint behind Black Caviar.
“At this stage we’re definitely pressing on to the Patinack. He ate up well this morning and he’s nice and bright,” Heathcote told AAP.
“We did a blood test and the veterinary report came back perfect. He doesn’t have any clinical signs of something wrong.”
Buffering was the $2.60 favourite to claim his first Group One success in the Manikato (1200m) but only managed to finish sixth after being taken on in front by Satin Shoes.
“Maybe Hugh (Bowman) made an error in trying to restrain him in the lead, he’s better being let run, but he (Buffering) has just had an off night,” Heathcote said.
Heathcote said that it was concerning when Buffering did not eat up after the race but he was relieved on Sunday.
“Without a doubt it’s a relief, just to see him so much brighter this morning.
“We know he’s better than what he showed the other night so we’ll get back to straight racing during the day and I’m sure he’ll bounce back.”
