That’s all for the Buff
QUEENSLAND idol Buffering has probably run his last race after fading out of the finish in last night’s Group 1 Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley won in a shock result by outsider Rebel Dane.
Trainer Rob Heathcote said Buffering, who has earnt $7 million in his career, deserved a good retirement.
“I’ve always said once he shows he’s not up for it anymore, we would pull the pin and I would say he’s run his last race,” Heathcote said.
Jockey Damian Browne was of the same impression after Buffering ($9) had a nice run in front but failed to respond in his usual fashion and finished sixth.
The world’s top-rated sprinter Chautauqua ($2.45 favourite) was another flop, failing to make any impression to finish seventh and trainer John Hawkes could offer no excuses.
“He wasn’t good enough. Something is not right. That’s it, he’s going to the paddock,” Hawkes said.
For Rebel Dane ($61), it was his first win since last September and his second Group 1 success at start number 21.
“Never give up,” jubilant trainer Gary Portelli said. “There’s hope for us all. I’m in shock at the moment.”
Portelli said he decided to roll the dice in the 1200m Manikato after looking at Rebel Dane’s closing sectionals behind Takedown at his previous start in Sydney.
“The only horse to get home quicker that day was Astern,” he said.
“I know it looked a task but after that I thought we just had to have a go at this race. He’s run some great races at Moonee Valley and mixed it with the best here.”