CRACK Queensland sprinter Buffering won’t get a better opportunity to lay down the gauntlet to unbeaten champion mare Black Caviar than when they meet up for a third time in tomorrow’s Group 1 VRC Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington.
Robert Heathcote’s gelding felt the full force of Black Caviar’s brilliance when he finished third, beaten 6.8-lens, in the Group 1 BTC Cup during the winter but was able to slice that deficit down by four when runner-up in the Group 1 $1m VRC Patinack Farm Classic (1200m) at Flemington on November 5.
A tremendous fresh horse, Buffering heads into the Lightning first-up while Black Caviar is dropping back to 1000m from her easy 1400m win in the C.F Orr seven days ago.
“Buffering wasn’t that far away from her in the Patinack and he is unbeaten in his only two first-up runs,” says Vinery’s Conor Phelan.
“I am not saying he is going to beat Black Caviar but 1400m back to 1000m in a week is no easy task but she’s a champion. He’ll keep her honest though, he is a very competitive horse and tough to get past – plus he’s got a good record up the straight.”
Meanwhile in Sydney, smart galloper Hendricus returns to the scene of his lucrative last start win in the ATC Inglis Bonus (1600m) on November 27 when he tackles the Group 3 ATC Royal Soveriegn Stakes (1200m) against quality opposition.
Hendricus, a $62,500 Easter purchase, has won than $250,000 and will add another $105,000 if he able to overcome the likes of Manawanui, the unbeaten Moment Of CHange and reigning Spring Champion Stakes winner, Doctor Doom.
