Buffering will defend his G1 Moir Stakes crown first-up at Moonee Valley on October 2.
Mossman’s veteran flag-bearer hasn’t been seen since an unplaced effort in the G1 Hong Kong Sprint last December. The veteran sprinter has returned to training without missing a beat after being sidelined with a leg injury prior to the Brisbane winter carnival.
Buffering pulled up a treat after working 1000 metres with fellow Mossman galloper Hopfgarten at Doomben. “He was under a strong hold from Glen (Colless) and I was very happy with that work,” trainer Rob Heathcote said. “Now I’ve got time up my sleeve to prepare for the Moir.”
The champion son of Vinery sire Mossman won the 2012 Moir Stakes and was runner-up to More Than Ready mare Samaready in 2013 before bouncing back for an all-the-way victory over Lankan Rupee in last year’s edition.
Buffering (8g Mossman – Action Annie by Anabaa) cost $22,000 at the 2009 Magic Millions QTIS Sale and has won 16 races and $4.88 million in prizemoney. Heathcote also has a 2yo three-quarter brother named Downloading by Mossman’s Group 1 performing son Love Conquers All. Also on the books is another close relation, a 2yo Mossman colt named No Annamossity which is out of Buffering’s half sister Hussyanna and cost Heathcote $75,000 at the 2015 Magic Millions.
Joe O’Neil of Prime Thoroughbreds has the 3yo Mossman x Hussyanna with John Thompson in Sydney. Named Reneged, he was placed in a trial in early August and looks set to debut this Spring.