BUFFERING 
Just some routine work to keep him ticking over today. He cantered on the all-weather with Alexandra Slattery, riding in the absence of the horse ‘s regular rider Melanie Sharpe who was unwell.  Slattery said: “Felt terrific, lovely horse.” The barrier draw for Buffering will be important, he’ll be hoping for something between three and seven and head to the front part of the field, as is his regular pattern.

CHAUTAUQUA 
Another who had a quiet morning also cantering on the all-weather track before paddock schooling. Trainer Michael Hawkes said: “All good, he’s full of life.”

Things have gone extremely well for the horse and his team since arriving. It’s now a matter of drawing the right gate and hoping the breaks go his way on Sunday. His run on style requires some luck, so it’s not just a matter of turn up and win, he’ll need to be at his best.

John Hawkes said about the significance of exposing the horse to the experience of the paddock: “The little things are important. We’re just covering all bases. It is a game of inches so any little thing that might help is worth doing. It certainly doesn’t hurt for him to know where he is going on race day. He’s not a hot horse but he does get a bit ‘bouncy’. He’ll be fine with all the hullabaloo on race day, there’s been plenty of that when he’s run on big days at Flemington.”

SAFETY CHECK

He had a turf gallop this morning over 1200m in 1.24.9s (29.2, 31.2, 24.5). So nothing too strenuous for him. Track rider, Willie Ryan, “He feels very well, although the track was a touch soft for his liking”

You couldn’t disagree that the horse looks well, however he may struggle in the class come Sunday.

MAURICE

Also worked on the turf, but at a leisurely pace. Assistant trainer Toru Munakata “He has settled. He was training well, just as he was in Miho Training Centre in Japan. Everything is okay so far. We’re planning to ask Jo Moreira to ride him tomorrow for the fast track work on the turf”.

Given all that – be afraid if you’re planning on betting against him come Sunday.