Vandyke issues Buffering warning

By Glenn Davis

Trainer David Vandyke believes classy sprinter Desert Lord is on track to qualify for a start in the $1 million Magic Millions Cup but warns punters to be wary of stablemate Baccarat Baby at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

Desert Lord and Baccarat Baby are set to clash in the $200,000 The Buffering over 1400 metres with the winner earning a wildcard entry into the Magic Millions Cup over the same trip at the Gold Coast on January 16.

The Buffering is named in honour of Queensland’s former seven-time Group 1 winner Buffering who earned more than $7.3 million in prizemoney with 20 wins from 55 starts.

Desert Lord was formerly trained by John Hawkes and his sons Wayne and Michael in Sydney before joining Vandyke mid-year.

The six-year-old has only started three times for the Caloundra trainer for two wins and a third.

Vandyke’s warning about Baccarat Baby’s prospects stems from his move to use blinkers on the five-year-old mare for the first time in her career.

Baccarat Baby has failed to fire in three starts this campaign including in the Listed Just Now when she finished eighth to the Peter Robl-trained Alison Of Tuffy.

She then ran a much improved fifth - beaten just over one length - by The Harrovian in the Listed Bernborough Handicap at Eagle Farm on Boxing Day.

“On form Desert Lord looks the pick of the two but I’m hoping the blinkers will help Baccarat Baby,” Vandyke said.

“The blinkers are going on to sharpen her up and if they improve her a length or two then she’ll be very competitive.

“It’s a very strong race full of quality but one of them has to win to get into the Magic Millions Cup.

“Baccarat Baby hasn't won for 14 months which is a long time for a good mare like her.”

Vandyke said Baccarat Baby has been hard to place since her glory days as a two and three-year-old.

“She’s been a little frustrating to place more than anything so I’m hoping the blinkers work.”

Vandyke was buoyed by good barriers for both sprinters, particularly Desert Lord, who is coming off a last start restricted class win over 1200 metres at Doomben in November.

“It was a very big win considering he had to sit three deep with no cover,” he said.

“He’s a very nice horse and I’ve trained for some of his connections in the past, that’s how he ended up coming to me.