Trainer Mike Moroney expects a rain-sodden track to suit Buffalo River when the US-bred galloper runs in the Cranbourne Cup.
Buffalo River will also appreciate the drop from Group 1 company of his last start in the Cantala Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on October 30 when he runs in the Listed race over the same trip on Saturday.
Having scored on a soft track at Caulfield over 1400m on October 16, Buffalo River went on to finish 11th to Superstorm at Flemington, beaten just over five lengths, but Moroney said things did not pan out as he had hoped.
“We were happy with his run,” Moroney said.
“He got taken on, but we didn’t want to lead and the other thing outside him didn’t really want to either and sat alongside us the whole way, so he didn’t get much peace.
“This is going to be a bit weaker and there’s the rain which will suit him.
“He won well at Caulfield before that, so we’re happy with how he’s going into it.”
The Cranbourne Cup will be run over 1600m for the first time and switches from a Sunday meeting to being the main Saturday fixture.
In time the Cranbourne Turf Club would like to see prize money increase from its new high of $500,000 to potentially one day running for $1 million.
And the Club, having a Saturday date, would also like to explore the idea of a later start and running the Cup under lights.
Saturday’s Listed race has attracted a strong line-up with Buffalo River sharing topweight with So Si Bon while winners from the final day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, Age Of Chivalry and Our Playboy, are set to run spots as well.
The Mick Price & Michael Kent Jr-trained Our Playboy has opened the $4.40 favourite with TAB despite drawing barrier 17 in the field of 15 with four emergencies.
Buffalo River, Age Of Chivalry, Aramayo and King Magnus share the second line at $8.