Star Queensland sprinter Buffering has finally snared a Group One victory, taking out the Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley.

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Buffering’s 18 previous attempts to win at the highest level had yielded 10 minor placings but he was not to be denied on Friday night, holding off Hong Kong’s Lucky Nine by a slender margin.

Samaready, who beat Buffering last start in the Moir Stakes, could not produce the same performance and finished out of the placings.

Trainer Robert Heathcote admitted he was beginning to wonder if the front running six-year-old would ever get the Group One he so deserved.

“He’s had 18 goes at a Group One and he gets the job done in a million dollar race,” Heathcote said.

“They said Lucky Nine was the best sprinter in the world. I’ve got one better.”

Buffering was ridden by Damian Browne who got him past Le Bonsir early in the race and dictated the pace to suit himself.

“I was surprised they let me get away with it,” he said.

“He has accomplished everything else he can. He needed to win that Group One.”