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Buffering wins 2014 City Jeep A.J. Moir Stakes Group 1 $450,000 at Moonee Valley (VIC) 3yo+, 1200m.
Buffering was not the first horse out of the barrier but Damian Browne asked him for an early effort and he soon crossed to the lead from Lankan Rupee who eased to race in second place. Browne then steadied the pace, as a result the first 600m was covered in only 36.46. Buffering sprinted nearing the turn then fought gamely to score by a long head in a smart first-up performance. It was also an excellent ride by Damian Browne.
Lankan Rupee began brilliantly and led early but then eased to race in second place. He moved up outside the leader from the 700m, was under pressure in the sprint home at the turn but kept responding in the straight to finish second and will be better suited by a more genuine tempo.
Rebel Dane settled in last place in the five-horse field and raced a bit keenly early due to the moderate pace. He switched to the rails half-way down the straight and ran on particularly well for a good third.
Angelic Light was third early on then got a one out and one back position in fourth place. She moved up wide at the turn and battled well in the sprint home for a close-up fourth.
Unpretentiouswas third on the rails to the turn but tired from that point to finish (1.7 lengths) last.