Decision time for Puissance De Lune after he pulled up lame in Cox Plate

INSIDE RUNNING: THE future of Puissance De Lune will be known today, with X-rays to provide a definitive answer after he pulled up lame on Saturday.

Puissance De Lune

THE future of Puissance De Lune will be known today.

Owner Gerry Ryan said the six-year-old, who pulled up lame after the Cox Plate, would have X-rays this afternoon to provide a definitive answer on his future — either a return in the autumn or straight to stud duties.

Ryan said he would not hesitate to retire the grey if complications showed up in the X-rays.

Payne goes for proven formula - Williams
DAVID Payne, the trainer of Criterion, is relying on the genius of jockey Craig Williams in Saturday’s Victoria Derby.

With so much focus on Sydney rivals Complacent and Savvy Nature, Payne said Criterion had become the forgotten runner.

“The Sydney three-year-olds look superior and the 2500m won’t bother my colt, he will relish it," Payne said.

“We’ve got Craig Williams to ride him and he’s a world-class jockey. We don’t have to improve a lot to be a winning chance and Craig might be the difference for us.”

Softly, softly for Tac De Boistron
TAC De Boistron, who campaigned here last spring, won yesterday’s French St Leger at Longchamp by five lengths.

He had two starts for Mick Kent and finished second last in the Geelong and Melbourne Cups, unsuited by hard tracks.

Tac De Boistron, now trained by Marco Botti, scored on “very soft" ground in the 3100m St Leger.

Damian Browne

Royal Ascot still on Buffering's schedule
CHAMPION Brisbane sprinter Buffering could make his overseas debut next year at Royal Ascot.

Trainer Robert Heathcote said Buffering would be spelled after the VRC Sprint Classic on Saturday week and return to tackle the Sydney carnival and possibly Royal Ascot.