Aussie Duo Settling in at Sha Tin

Despite a flight from Australia that began with on-the-ground turbulence in Melbourne, but had nothing to do with unstable air, the country’s two representatives for next Sunday’s Longines Hong Kong International Races–G1 Hong Kong Sprint hopeful Buffering (Aus) (Mossman {Aus}) and G1 Hong Kong Cup aspirant Criterion (NZ) (Sebring {Aus})–have settled in nicely at Sha Tin. 

Seven-year-old Buffering will try to become the first Australian-based winner of the Sprint since Falvelon (Aus) took back-to-back runnings of the event when it was contested up the 1000-meter straight course in 2000 and 2001. Winner of 16 of his 45 career starts, the bay gelding upset former top-rated sprinter Lankan Rupee (Aus) (Redoute’s Choice {Aus}) in the G1 Moir S. Sept. 26, his fourth victory at the highest level, but exits a fourth to Terravista (Aus) (Captain Rio {GB}) in the G1 Darley Classic at Flemington Nov. 8. Prior to leaving Melbourne, Buffering won his final barrier trial last Friday, covering the 800 meters in :47.94 (video). 

“He was a bit lazy in the gallop but I’m not too worried about that,” trainer Robert Heathcote commented. “He trialled without his blinkers and we’ve always known he can be lazy in his work. He did enough and he’s in good shape. We deliberately left the blinkers off as I didn’t want him to go too hard. He’s had three very tough runs during the spring but he’s fit and he recovered almost immediately after the workout.” 

Buffering took down the colors of the raiding Lucky Nine (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) in the G1 Manikato S. at Moonee Valley a little over a year ago. 

The trip to Hong Kong almost didn’t happen for Criterion, this year’s G1 Australian Derby hero. The 4-year-old was reported to have suffered a mild bout of colic Sunday and was originally denied access to his overseas flight by Australian veterinarians. After a delay of a few hours, the doctors relented and allowed the chestnut to board the plane. 
Trainer David Hayes explained that the colt was suffering from a rare allergic reaction after being treated with a regulation tick shampoo prior to his export. 

“What he was doing was showing colic-like symptoms because it was stinging, so he was biting at himself and kicking because he was so uncomfortable,” Hayes told AAP. “The vet was puzzled by the amount of pain he was in, but there was no stomach noise as you would expect with colic. The next day he was back to normal, but we had a hard time convincing the (AQIS) vet, even though he could see he was healthy. It was only when he got to Hong Kong that a rash broke out on his back.” 

Criterion, who will be having his first run for Hayes and nephew Tom Dabernig in the Cup, worked over 1200 grassy meters at Moonee Valley last week in 1:17.64, with a final three furlongs in :34.98. 

“He behaved perfectly and I thought his work was excellent. We’re getting a better handle on him every day,” Hayes said. 

The Lindsay Park maestro is no stranger to Hong Kong fans, having won two trainer premierships and a total of 458 races, including an upset of the 2002 Hong Kong Sprint with All Thrills Too (Aus). He also sent out the filly Elegant Fashion (Aus) to win the 2003 Hong Kong Derby.