Trainer Robert Heathcote is a realist when it comes to ranking Buffering against compatriot sprinter Chautauqua.
But Heathcote also knows his Buffering will be getting a start off Chautauqua when they clash in Sunday’s Chairman’s Sprint Prize in Hong Kong.
Buffering
The latest world ratings have Chautauqua the highest-rated sprinter on 121 with the next three top-rated, Aerovelocity (119), Buffering and Not Listenin’tome (118), among Sunday’s entries.
Giving Heathcote heart for Sunday’s race is Buffering’s defeat of Hong Kong sprinter Peniaphobia in the Al Quoz Sprint in Dubai last month.
And since arriving from Dubai everything has gone to plan.
“He’s 100 per cent. No niggles,” Heathcote said.
“When we came here in 2014, he wasn’t 100 per cent and still managed to run sixth behind Aerovelocity.
“I think if he’d been spot on, he might have won that race.”
Buffering’s statistics show his durability as he did not win a Group One until his 18th attempt but has now won seven of his last 15 races at the highest level.
“It did take him some time to get that first Group One win but you have to remember he was regularly going around against a champion called Black Caviar and other top horses like Hay List,” Heathcote said.
And Heathcote said whatever track comes up on Sunday won’t concern Buffering.
“He copes well with soft ground,” Heathcote said.
“We wouldn’t want a heavy track but a track with a little give would be ideal, but scarily that also suits Chautauqua.”
