3 minute read

Multiple Group 1 winning sprinter Buffering appears poised to collect his second Winterbottom Stakes when due to line up at Ascot on Saturday.

A narrow winner of the feature event in 2013 the now eight-year-old is arguably in as good as form as ever, finishing fourth in the Group 1 Darley Classic last start.

An impressive winner of the Group 1 Moir Stakes first up, Buffering went on to be gallant in the Manikato Stakes before holding his own against the best sprinters in the land.

Beaten just over half a length, that piece of form places him in very good stead for this weekend's feature sprint.

Admittedly the locals will no easy beats, last year's winner Magnifisio appears to be ticking over nicely while Watermans Bay was gallant with the big weight first up.

Both of the above appear set to produce their best, however the fact remains they lack the distinct class of Buffering.

When taking out this event two years ago, Buffering was installed the even money favourite and now as much as 9-2 is being bet about his chances.

This is arguably a weaker line up to the one he faced two years ago, yet the current market has deemed him a far lesser chance of success.

From the middle draw he is likely to find the front quite easily with a majority of the speed drawn outside him.

No question they are likely to try and serve it up to Buffering early, but many have tried and failed previously.

He is a warrior and if able to get a few cheap sectionals out in front, he should prove very hard to get past late, we have him marked closer to a 6-4 chance.

The Jason Pateman trained Showy Chloe has returned two very encouraging performances to begin this campaign and appears set to peak in the Group 2 W.A. Guineas.

A dominant victor of the Group 2 Sires' Produce Stakes, the daughter of Alfred Nobel was unable to hold out Blackwood in the Burgess Queen Stakes last start, however she notably conceded 2.5kg to her rival on that occasion.

The blinkers go on for the first time and she has drawn to receive all the favours.

The return to set weights sees her very well placed using Timeform weight adjusted ratings and she presents great value at her current quote.

As much as $10 was bet about her chances early doors and while she has tightened up during the week, $7.50 is still available.

We have Showy Chloe marked the equal favourite with Arcadia Dream and given the latter has drawn off the track we are more than happy to side her way.

BET OF THE DAY (1): Race 7 #1 Buffering @ $4.50

BET OF THE DAY (2): Race 6 #13 Showy Chloe @ $7.50