Box office superstar Buffering is poised to conquer the world after his emphatic win in the Magic Millions Plate at the Gold Coast.
The $1.35 favourite, Buffering sent his prize money hurtling past the $6 million barrier when he defeated Mister Booze ($41) by 1-1/2 lengths with Steel Zip ($41) 1-3/4 lengths away third in Saturday’s $1 million race.
Buffering
Trainer Robert Heathcote said Buffering had earned the chance to take on the world’s best sprinters.
“He’ll have a freshen-up then we’ll book our flights for a junket to Dubai and Hong Kong,” Heathcote said.
First stop will be Dubai in March for the Group One Al Quoz Sprint (1000m) before the Group One Chairman’s Sprint (1200m) at Sha Tin in May.
Heathcote was visibly moved by the rapturous ovation Buffering received as he paraded before the race and again as he returned to the enclosure following his victory.
“I have an overwhelming sense of pride for all he’s done for racing in the this state and for our happy group of owners,” Heathcote said.
“The dream lives in racing and he’s proof of that for everyone to see.
“This horse cost $22,000 as a yearling which shows anyone can buy a share in a horse like him and live the dream by racing for millions.”
While Heathcote was bursting with pride, he admitted it was a relief to win.
“Even when they’re $1.30 favourites, they’ve still got to come and do it so it’s a relief to see him win as easily as he did,” he said.
Browne said the script went to plan for the gelding from the time he left the barriers.
“He only did what he had to, but he’s a bit like me as I’m getting older and much the same,” he said.
“I don’t like travelling much but it looks like we are off to Dubai. Maybe Robbie will buy me a first class ticket.”
Browne also left no doubt how much Buffering means to him.
“If I wasn’t so close to my wife I’d put him between us,” he said.
Black Caviar and Takeover Target are the only other two Australian sprinters to earn more than $6 million.
