New training regime suiting Buffalo River

Posted by RS NewsWire at 3:37pm on November 15th

If recent form is any indication, Buffalo River is enjoying his racing and trainer Mike Moroney believes he is well in the hunt for an elusive win at the highest level in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday.

Having won two of his latest three outings, the most recent in the Group 3 Moonga Stakes (1400m) over the same course and distance on October 21, Moroney says that his charge can figure in the finish in the newly scheduled Group 1 $1 million feature now run a month later than its traditional timing.

“He’s going to be well-weighted with 53.5-kilos but he is Group 1-placed though we know they are always a big step up,” Moroney said.

Buffalo River will contest the Rupert Clarke Stakes for the third year running. A fifth place on a heavy track in 2022 was preceded by a tenth placing on a good surface in 2021.

In with 53-kilos this time, and set to jump from barrier 19 before scratchings from the 1400-metre chute, the renowned leader’s previous Rupert Clark efforts delivered the fastest sectionals between the 800 and 200 metres marks in each time.

A review of training tactics has delivered the positive change in horse’s racing demeanour.

“He was overworking himself on the track and no matter where and when you went to gallop him he would just go”, Moroney added.

“The boy that rode him in work all the way through, he got too much for him in the finish.

“I think he was overworking himself and now that we’ve got the treadmill we can control that work.”

Celine Gaudray takes the ride again for the fourth-straight run and will have the challenge of having Buffalo River negate the wider draw and settling thereafter.

“I think she’s been a big help,” he said.

“He’s been ridden to instructions which has been good and I’ve always been a believer that he is a free-running horse and if he can just get to a couple of furlongs before he gets to his top, that is the key.

“If he then relaxes for a furlong it really puts him into the race.”

Moroney believes the race’s new date has been a positive move.

“I think it is in a good spot. I think it will be a strong race,” he said.

“I can see it working.”

Buffalo River is rated a $21 chance across markets with online bookmakers while Magic Time is the $3.70 favourite.

More Racing News

Skybird scores emphatic G1 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes win

The Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning was expected to be a showcase for three-year-old colts, but it was the fillies who stole the show in the 1000m sprint at Flemington. Chris Waller’s Switzerland was the clear $2.45 favourite with betting apps, while Growing Empire was also well-supported at $3.80. Despite their strong...

Yesterday

Fangirl upstages star pair in G2 Apollo Stakes

The Group Two Apollo Stakes was billed as a battle between Cox Plate winner Via Sistina and emerging star Ceolwulf, but it was the experienced Fangirl who stole the show with a dominant performance at Randwick. As the favored pair kept close tabs on each other, Jason Collett seized the opportunity...

Yesterday

Lady Shenandoah brilliant in G2 Light Fingers Stakes return

Lady Shenandoah made a stunning return to racing, claiming victory in the Light Fingers Stakes at Randwick in dominant fashion, setting up a potential clash with her undefeated stablemate, Autumn Glow. Although she won by 1-1/4 lengths over Golden Slipper champion Lady Of Camelot, her effortless acceleration suggested there was more...

Yesterday

Sepals races into G1 Australian Guineas contention

A potential move to Hong Kong fell through for Sepals after failing a vet test, but that setback may turn into an opportunity for Group 1 glory in Australia. Interest in the talented gelding surged after his maiden win at Sale last month, with further offers coming in following his triumph...

Yesterday

2025 Golden Slipper dream alive for connections of Shaggy

Wyong trainer Allan Kehoe was so ecstatic after Shaggy’s dominant win in the Listed Pierro Plate at Randwick that he nearly celebrated in unconventional fashion. “I was that excited, I could have done a nude run,” Kehoe laughed. His excitement was well justified as the two-year-old produced a powerful front-running display, shifting...

Yesterday

Begg’s mare Magic in the Expressway Stakes

The script didn’t go to plan, but Magic Time still kicked off her autumn campaign in style, unleashing a blistering turn of foot to claim the Expressway Stakes at Randwick. The Grahame Begg-trained mare didn’t begin as sharply as expected, settling worse than midfield and finding herself boxed in with nowhere...

Yesterday

Colts share honours in Talindert Stakes at Flemington

The Lindsay Park team and the training partnership of Anthony and Sam Freedman shared the spoils in the Listed Talindert Stakes (1100m) at Flemington, with both stables now weighing up a tilt at Victoria’s richest two-year-old race at Caulfield next week. The Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) is firmly on...

Yesterday

Freedman still learning about European sprinter ahead of Expressway Stakes

Michael Freedman openly acknowledges that he remains uncertain about what to expect from his latest acquisition, Givemethebeatboys, as the former European sprinter prepares for his Australian debut in theExpressway Stakes at Randwick. While imported racehorses have become a common sight in Australian racing, most are typically middle-distance or staying types rather...

Feb 14th

Unbeaten Baker filly ready to go Boom in the Light Fingers Stakes

Twelve months after Stefi Magnetica showcased her potential with an impressive fourth-place finish in the Light Fingers Stakes, trainer Bjorn Baker is hoping to unveil another rising star in the same event. Dance To The Boom is set to make her debut at Group level in Saturday’s edition of the fillies’...

Feb 14th

Ad Astra out to break maiden status

Trainer Michael Hickmott is hoping for a change of luck this Saturday as his promising filly Ad Astra continues to battle against unfavorable barrier draws. Set to contest the Sportsbet Fast Form Maiden Plate (1000m) on the Morphettville Parks track, Ad Astra has once again landed a wide gate. However, Hickmott...

Feb 14th