In 1971, racing officials in Perth, West Australia, moved swiftly to create and promote the first A$100,000 Perth Cup. It was a staggering prizemoney pot in Australia at the time, and it did much to put the fledgling racing state on the map.
In 1971, racing officials in Perth, West Australia, moved swiftly to create and promote the first A$100,000 Perth Cup. It was a staggering prizemoney pot in Australia at the time, and it did much to put the fledgling racing state on the map.
The following 44 years have brought prosperity, as well hardship when prizemoney had to be cut back, but the Perth Carnival remains one of the country's premier racing events. It's place on the National calendar is unchallenged.
The number of Eastern States horses, who make their way to Perth after the rigours of Spring in Melbourne and Sydney, are few these days. But there are always a couple, who attempt to beat the heat in the capital of the West, and the brilliant sprinter Buffering is one. He faces 15 rivals in the G1 Winterbottom Stakes, over 1200m at Ascot, Perth, WA.
Trained in Brisbane by Rob Heathcote, Buffering is an old-timer who recaptured his best form when winning the G1 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley last month. He ran well in the Darley Classic at Flemington last start without ever threatening, but he was not far away at the finish.
He is very fast, and from barrier nine, he should be in the firing line all the way. One rival is Fast 'N' Rocking, another from the East, who can run well for David Hayes and Tom Dabernig.
The other big race on the Ascot card is the G1 Railway Stakes, over 1200m, and here Messene, a son of the Darley stallion Lonhro, is sent over by Team Hawkes in Sydney to face 14 rivals, including the very capable Balmont Girl.
In Hong Kong, it is the big 'trials' weekend at Sha Tin for the forthcoming Hong Kong International Races. Able Friend, who staggered most punters with an "unbelievable" win in the Premier Bowl, over 1200m, at the New Territories track last month, is expected to land Saturday's G2 BOCHK Wealth Management Jockey Club Mile.
John Moore, his trainer, said: "He's never been better. I think he's pretty close to peak. I expect him to win, based on his recent work. Then, it's on to the Hong Kong Mile (on December 13)."
Moore is also hopeful he has Designs On Rome back after surgery for the removal of bone chips in both the gelding's front fetlocks. "We all know that after arthroscopic work, they are never going to come back 100% of what they were, but this horse knows where the winning post is, and he doesn't like getting beaten. He just grinds," Moore explained.
Meanwhile, at Lingfield Park in the UK, the very promising Race Day, from the Godolphin Royal Blue stable, makes a quick reappearance in a bid to gain Fast Track qualification for the All Weather Championships on March 25.
Saeed bin Suroor, the trainer, said: "He is improving all the time, and I have been pleased with his last two runs. He came out of last week's race well, and I am hoping for another good effort. I hope to get him qualified for Good Friday."
Among his rivals this time is the Mark Johnston-trained Turbine, who made a winning debut at Wolverhampton on November 13.
