Winterbottom Stakes 2015: Robert Heathcote confident Buffering has rivals’ measure in Group 1 feature

TRAINER Rob Heathcote is perplexed as to why bookies are being so generous about Buffering’s chances in Saturday’s Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes.

Trainer Robert Heathcote after winning Race 7 with "Riva de Lago" at the Caloundra Cup Day at Corbould Park Racecourse. Pics Tara Croser.

FREQUENT flyer Buffering appears to have taken no harm from his latest trip to Perth and trainer Rob Heathcote is perplexed as to why bookies are being so generous about his chances in today’s Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes.

In a career that has included eight trips to Melbourne, two to Perth and one to Hong Kong, Buffering has clocked up roughly 50,000km in air travel and not once has he shirked his task at the other end.

HOT TIPS: WEEKEND BEST BETS

BEAT THE BOOKIE: VALUE BETS

Heathcote sees no reason why that trend will not continue today, believing Buffering has a big class edge in the $1 million feature.

“If he brings that Darley form into this race, I can’t see them beating him,” Heathcote said. “I’ve had to count his legs to make sure he’s still got four of them. There’s $5 and $4 being offered about him. I think that’s extremely generous.

“Yes, I won’t fully know if the travel has affected him until the barriers open, but all indicators are that he’s in A-1 condition.

“He’s an old pro at travelling. It’s a five-hour flight from Melbourne, but nothing rattles this horse. He just walks on, behaves himself and doesn’t miss a beat. He just takes it all in.’’

Last year Mick Burles and The Cleaner were the star attractions on Perth’s richest race day. This year the five-star treatment has been afforded to Heathcote and Buffering.

“Perth people love him and they are very pleased to have him here,” Heathcote said.

“You could argue they are a little disappointed they didn’t get more interstate Group 1 horses for the $1 million prizemoney, but you could equally argue Buffering, a five times Group 1 winner himself, wouldn’t be here if the money wasn’t at that level either.’’

Originally published as Winterbottom Stakes 2015: Robert Heathcote confident Buffering has rivals’ measure in Group 1 feature