Who better to catch up with leading into Brisbane’s biggest race day than the best trainer in the state Rob Heatcote!
He’s a great bloke and you can always get an honest opinion out of him. He goes into the Stradbroke with a leading contender Buffering and he is confident ‘The Bulldog’ is as good as he can get him. “He’s 100 %. I do have to carry 58kg and my horse has never won a group 1? The handicapper tells me he is the best horse in the race and I can’t argue with that. I believe it is going to be hard for me to give Sea Siren, Mental and Tiger Tees 4-5kg and beat them, but if there is any horse I have ever trained that can do it, it is Buffering.” Heathcote said.
Rob also said that ‘Buffs’ work Saturday morning was outstanding and Bowman stays on board.
The simple fact of the matter is Buffering is an extremely talented galloper and has all the attributes to take him to victory. He has tactical speed to put himself in a position so gates are not the end of the world. Last start in the 10,000 Sea Siren had all the favours and Buffering had to use a little bit more petrol than he wanted to, but had Buffering not missed work and a race leading into that race I feel he wins the 10,000.
Many people feel that the 1400m is a query with Buffering but I think it is simply wrong. I agree 1200m would be his best trip, but just consider the run over 1350m at WFA last start when he was slightly underdone. The biggest question is exactly how much pace is on up front? There should be plenty of pressure and I think Buffering would be well placed to stalk the two leaders and put the pressure on them after straightening, but Rob and the team will have their plans in place to try and win Queensland’s biggest race.
Sometimes you just have to believe what you are seeing on the track and reading in the guide. There is no better sprint form in the world than Black Caviar and Hay List form! Don’t forget he carried 54.5kg in the best sprint race in Australia (The Newmarket) and went down in a photo to Hay List..
Rob will also have Volkhere in the 1600m 3 year old race and he is very happy with how the horse has trained on. One of the best mares in the state Fillydelphia didn’t really come up this time in work and Rob has tipped her out for a spell but feels she will be back to her best next prep.
Excellantes runs in the Lightning (1000m) and although Rob doesn’t think it is the horses ideal trip he does think the horse will be very competitive.
Good luck to the team!
