The Queensland winter carnival is Buffering’s time to shine in the racing spotlight

IT’S just as well Buffering is a horse and not a human, otherwise he would be feeling the pressure of being the star of the winter carnival.

Buffering (outside) works with stablemate Excellantes in between races at Eagle Farm. Pic

IT’S just as well Buffering is a horse and not a human, otherwise he would be feeling the pressure of being the star attraction of the Queensland winter carnival.

Despite being a three-time Group 1 winner and a $4.5 million earner, Queensland’s best horse has had to live in the shadow of southern sprint sensations like Black Caviar, Hay List and most recently Lankan Rupee.

But this Queensland Carnival is his time to shine as a horseracing rock star.

Rob Heathcote’s ace sprinter, who was impressive in an exhibition gallop alongside stablemate Excellantes in between races at Eagle Farm yesterday, is nominated for the Group 1 treble of the BTC Cup, Doomben 10,000 and the rich Stradbroke Handicap.

Buffering opened $2.80 BTC Cup favourite when tab.com.au released their market on Wednesday. Improving three-year-old Sidestep ($4.50) is rated his biggest danger.

Buffering with jockey Damian Browne at Eagle Farm on Wednesday. Picture: Jamie Hanson

Jockey Damian Browne said he was relieved after partnering Buffering in a slick final sectional of 33.86 in a track gallop at Eagle Farm on Wednesday.

“I feared after the hard run he had in Sydney that he might have been a bit flat,” Browne said.

“We saw how Rebel Dane failed last Saturday but Buffering’s gallop washed away any fears of it being the same for this horse.”

Buffering will meet some good horses this winter and could be virtually weighted out of contention in the Stradbroke, the race in which he has finished second for the last two years.

But there will be no Black Caviar, Hay List or Lankan Rupee among his rivals.

“What has been extraordinary about Buffering has been his longevity and the fact he has mixed it with such good horses for so long,” Heathcote said.

“I’m not a born and bred Queenslander but there is certainly a sense of Queensland pride that Buffering will really fly the flag for the state this winter, along with Tony Gollan’s ‘Boom’ horses.

“I’ve had a look at the field for the BTC Cup and it certainly seems a very winnable race for Buffering. And I’m really looking forward to taking on Rebel Dane in the Doomben 10,000.”

Heathcote admitted Buffering was not locked in for another Stradbroke Handicap assault, given he expected the sprinter to get a hefty weight.

But he insisted he would not “plead poverty” with the handicappers in a bid to get a lighter weight.

Buffering is likely to push on to try to reap some Asian riches in Hong Kong later this year but Heathcote is also looking forward to a rematch with Lankan Rupee during the Melbourne Spring Carnival.

Lankan Rupee clears out to win the TJ Smith in the heavy conditions.

Buffering was a brave third behind Lankan Rupee in the Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes at Randwick on April 12 but that was on an unsuitable heavy track.

“I can’t wait for a rematch with Lankan Rupee to be honest,” Heathcote said.

“He is certainly the undisputed sprint king at the moment but we met him on a heavy track which really didn’t suit Buffering.