Australia’s representative Buffering has finished sixth in the International Sprint at Sha Tin.
But there was still an Australasian flavour to Sunday’s race with ex-pat jockey Zac Purton steering Aerovelocity to a narrow win for Hong Kong-based New Zealand trainer Paul O’Sullivan.
Four-time Group One winner Buffering did not get to his usual front running position, sitting off Aerovelocity for most of the 1200m race.
In the long run home, Aerovelocity kicked clear while Buffering was passed by several other runners.
Peniophobia got close to Aerovelocity but he made a final effort near the post.
Japanese filly Straight Girl was third with Irish horse Gordon Lord Byron, a Group One winner in Australia during the autumn, fourth.
“It’s not often in Hong Kong you get to stick with a horse this long,” Purton said.
“Paul O’Sullivan has been a long time supporter of mine so it’s great to win for him.”
Buffering is now likely to be prepared for the Brisbane winter sprints on home turf.
Trainer Robert Heathcote said he would run out of time to get him ready for the Sydney autumn following his quarantine when he gets back to Australia.
