Buffering has begun his spring campaign with victory over Lankan Rupee in the Group One Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley, prompting trainer Robert Heathcote to declare the star Queenslander one of the world’s best.

Lankan Rupee, rated the highest ranked sprinter in the world after his three Group One wins in the autumn, was narrowly beaten for the second time this campaign as seven-year-old Buffering led all the way in Friday night’s 1200m Group One sprint.

Heathcote and jockey Damian Browne were confident Buffering ($5.50) had been showing the signs he was back to his top form after believing he was a little off his game in the autumn.

He was taken to the front in the 1200m sprint with Craig Newitt trailing him on $1.55 favourite Lankan Rupee in the five-horse field.

Lankan Rupee tried to challenge late but was unable to get past Buffering and was beaten a short head with the same margin to Rebel Dane who turned in a big run for third.

“Buff’s back,” an excited Heathcote said.

“At the end of the day he (Lankan Rupee) was the undisputed best sprinter in the world and we just beat him. So what does that make us?

“Bring on Hong Kong.

“I think it’s fair to say if my bloke is not the best sprinter in the world, he’s in the top three.”

Buffering will return to Moonee Valley in four weeks for the Manikato Stakes before the Darley Classic at Flemington and then take to the international stage in the Hong Kong International Sprint.

The victory was Buffering’s fourth Group One success.

Heathcote said Lankan Rupee was brave in second and his trainer Mick Price was gracious in defeat.

“We’ve got no excuses,” Price said.

“It was a good ride. I thought he followed Buffering well. He was there to pick up Buffering if he was good enough on the night.

“I think what Craig said is relevant, he just doesn’t let go getting around here compared to the bigger tracks. But that’s racing.”

Trainer Gary Portelli rated Rebel Dane’s effort the run of the race and he will also return for the Manikato Stakes.