Buffering, Ambitious Dragon Ailing, ‘Larcima’ Out

Top Australian sprinter Buffering (Aus) (Mossman {Aus}) did not appear for morning trackwork Tuesday morning, and news later emerged that the G1 Moir S. winner was nursing a foot abscess, casting at least some doubt on his participation in Sunday’s G1 Longines Hong Kong Sprint. However, trainer Robert Heathcote tried to allay fears when addressing the media a bit later in the day. 

“I was concerned when we arrived at the stables around 7:30 this morning and the horse could hardly put his foot down,” the conditioner explained. “But the farrier was there in no time and did a brilliant job. He took the shoe off, found the source of the problem straight away; drained the infected area and the relief for the horse was almost instantaneous.” 

He continued, “We then gave the hoof a good clean, a good soak and we were walking him again within half an hour. He should be fine and we might even be able to shoe him again this afternoon. I suspect he’d be fine to work [Wednesday], but we might play it safe and work him Thursday morning. We had planned to gallop him this morning on the turf, but working him later in the week is not a problem. No drama, I think he’ll be fine.” 

Less encouraging was news that former two-time Hong Kong Horse of the Year Ambitious Dragon (NZ) (Pins {Aus}) was off in his right front leg as the result of a possible foot infection. The 8-year-old, who has made an admirable comeback from a career-threatening tendon injury and was most recently third to ante-post favorite Able Friend (Aus) (Shamardal) in the G2 Jockey Club Mile Nov. 23, will be monitored over the coming days by HKJC veterinarians. 

The Japanese contingent is down to nine horses after Meiner Lacrima (Jpn) (Chief Bearhart) pulled up lame following a Tuesday morning workout and was declared from his intended appearance in the G1 Hong Kong Cup.