Star sprinter Buffering worked strongly between races on Wednesday as he heads towards a unique treble during the winter carnival.
When nominations closed on Wednesday, Buffering was entered for all three Brisbane Group One sprints, the BTC Cup (1200m) on May 10, the Doomben 10,000 (1350m) on May 24 and the Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) on June 8.
Buffering worked with smart sprinter Excellantes on the Eagle Farm course proper, going off from the 1000m and getting home in a slick 33.36secs for the final 600m.
“That was exactly what he needed. It is all clear for the winter at this stage,” jockey Damian Browne said.
Trainer Rob Heathcote is quietly confident Buffering can achieve the treble which has never been done in the 26 years since the three races have been run.
“It is a task but two of the races being weight-for-age is an advantage for him,” Heathcote said.
Buffering is one of 15 nominations for the BTC Cup, one of 46 for the Doomben 10,000 and one of 100 for the Stradbroke.
Darley’s new trainer John O’Shea is keen to get off to a flying Group One start and has five nominations for the Stradbroke in Agadir, Emblems, Knoydart, Miniature and Sidestep.
Knoydart is also entered for the BTC Cup and Doomben 10,000 and Sidestep for the 10,000.
Chris Waller has the most of any trainer nominated for the Stradbroke with nine in Arinosa, Catkins, Coup Ay Tee, Masthead, Rugged Cross, Said Com, Tougher Than Ever, Velrosso and You’ll Never.
However, he has only Arinosa nominated for the 10,000 and no runner for the BTC Cup.
Brisbane Race Club racing manager Bart Sinclair said he was happy with the response to all races with the Group One Queensland Oaks (2400m) attracting 69 nominations and the Group One Queensland Derby (2400m) attracting 97 entries.
The Group One JJ Atkins Stakes (1600m) received 82 nominations.
Sinclair said the Doomben Cup had stood up well with 27 nominations including 24 from interstate and New Zealand.
Waller heads the Doomben Cup nominations with Danchai, I’m Imposing, Junoob, Moriarty and Vilanova.
