Buffalo River has been a constant on the Victoria racing scene for just shy of five years.
After four starts in the UK as a two-year-old, Buffalo River arrived in Australia to win his first three starts for trainer Mike Moroney during 2019 and was looked upon as future Group 1 winner.
That Group 1 win has not eventuated, but Buffalo River is racing in possibly career best form as an eight-year-old and runs in the All-Star Mile (1600m) at Caulfield on Saturday.
Buffalo River has finished third in his past two starts over 1400m in Group 1 company – the C F Orr Stakes and Futurity Stakes – finishing behind Mr Brightside who he meets again on Saturday.
Trainer Mike Moroney said despite Buffalo River having been in work for a long period of time, the stable has been able to manage his workload and he seems to be going as well as ever.
Work on the treadmill interspersed with grass gallops has kept Buffalo River up to the mark.
Buffalo River will be lining up for his tenth straight run at Caulfield, all of which have been at 1400m, but Moroney said the rise to 1600m on Saturday won’t pose a problem.
“He looked a miler when we first got him, that’s really what we thought he was,” Moroney said.
“But his record suggests 1400 metres is better, but the way he is racing now, maybe the mile will suit, especially around Caulfield.”
A noted on-pace galloper who has been racing kindly under apprentice Celine Gaudray, who retains the ride on Saturday, Buffalo River had been a slow to muster speed in his recent assignments before working forward.
Moroney said Gaudray may have overdone the leading tactics when third in the Futurity Stakes, adding the gelding will not have to be used up as extensively as he was on that occasion with Pride Of Jenni in the race.
“He’s been taking a while to get to the lead these days and with Pride Of Jenni in there, it should be ideal for him,” Moroney said.
“I think he’s a reluctant leader now and is quite happy to take a sit.
“We’re happy to keep Celine on him.
“She’s done a pretty good job on him and seems to get on well with him, so they can take their time getting up on the speed.
“There will be no need to rush.”
Buffalo River has drawn in barrier nine with Pride Of Jenni in gate six.
Mr Brightside, who is out in gate 11, heads the market with betting apps at $1.85 ahead of Pride Of Jenni at $3.40 while Buffalo River is rated a $41 outsider.
