Star Queensland sprinter Buffering has a minor hoof injury and is in doubt for the Group One BTC Cup at Doomben on Saturday.
Trainer Rob Heathcote alerted Racing Queensland stewards on Friday that Buffering had a minor hoof problem which was discovered after the sprinter worked at Eagle Farm.
“I walked Buffering to the track and back to his stable and he was fine,” Heathcote said.
“He had just been hosed down when one of my staff noticed his action was a little short.
“I called in my vet immediately and it looks like he’s got a small stone bruise.”
Heathcote is bitterly disappointed with the setback but is still hopeful Buffering can make a quick recovery to take his place in the 1200m feature.
“I’ve poulticed the hoof to draw some of the pain out and the vets say he’s better than a 50-50 chance of starting but I’m not so sure,” he said.
“It’s not too serious but I’ve been around long enough to know how long it takes for these injuries to come right.”
A Racing Queensland veterinarian will examine Buffering on Saturday morning to determine if he can start.
Buffering is the $2.60 favourite for the BTC Cup following his outstanding autumn performances against Black Caviar and Hay List in Melbourne and a last-start seven length win at Eagle Farm.