Rain threatens to disrupt star stablemates Buffering and Woorim’s build-up towards the Melbourne autumn.
Trainer Rob Heathcote hopes to give both sprinters an exhibition gallop between races at the Australia Day meeting on Doomben on Thursday but the weather could force him to scrap the hit-out.
Doomben was rated a heavy 8 at acceptance time on Tuesday.
“It looks like it’s going to be pretty wet following all the rain we’ve had and I may have to reassess things on the day,” Heathcote said.
“If I don’t gallop them on Thursday I may be able to work them on Saturday between races.”
Buffering and Woorim are booked on a flight to Melbourne on February 14.
The pair, who worked together in a special gallop at Doomben last Wednesday, are being aimed at the Group One Newmarket Handicap (1200m) at Flemington in March.
Buffering will run first in the Group One Lightning Stakes over the straight 1000m course at Flemington on February 18 while Woorim will resume in the Group One Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield a week later.
Buffering will remain in Melbourne after the Newmarket for the Group One William Reid Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on March 23 while Woorim will be diverted to Sydney for two further Group One attempts in the George Ryder Stakes at Rosehill and Doncaster Mile at Randwick.
Damien Browne has been offered the ride on Woorim while Nash Rawiller has first refusal to partner Buffering.
Heathcote is unlikely to give either sprinter a barrier trial before they make their Melbourne returns.
Buffering was runner-up to Black Caviar in his latest appearance in the Patinack Farm Classic at Flemington on November 5 while Woorim finished seventh to Albert The Fat in the Group One Emirates Stakes the same day.
“I haven’t trialled them yet and I doubt either will before they go away,” Heathcote said.
Heathcote is still looking for his first Group One win after being unlucky with the pair last campaign.
“It’s unfortunate that I’ve run into a once-in-a-generation horse like Black Caviar,” Heathcote said.
“Buffering ran third to Black Caviar and Hay List in last year’s BTC Cup at Doomben and ran second to her in the Patinack Farm Classic.
“Woorim has been desperately unlucky in three Group Ones in the Sir Rupert Clarke in 2010 and last year in the Patinack Farm Classic and Stradbroke.
“That’s five Group Ones I’ve missed with them but I’m not too concerned. It’ll happen one day as I’ve got a good stable coming through.”
Heathcote’s promising mare Tomboy, a seven-time winner from 13 starts, may be aimed at the Group One Coolmore Classic (1500m) at Rosehill on March 24.
The four-year-old mare is having a short break following her decisive win at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
AAP TURF
