In the absence of Black Caviar and Hay List, Queensland champion Buffering broke his Group One maiden over the spring, racking up three major sprints wins.

Trainer Joe Pride reckons it’s now Rain Affair’s turn.

Buffering had been Group One placed 10 times before his Manikato Stakes win while Rain Affair has been runner-up four times at the highest level.

He will spearhead Pride’s autumn team which also boasts new recruit Steps In Time.

“Rain Affair has made great progress and will resume in the Expressway Stakes,” Pride said.

“He weighs more than he’s ever weighed and I think he is on track to do what he hasn’t done before – win a Group One.”

The Group Two Expressway (1200m) is on February 8 with the $2.5 million Group One TJ Smith the ultimate autumn target which is also the aim for Buffering.

“We’ve beaten Buffering before,” Pride said. “And Rain Affair has led him when he’s raced him.”

Steps In Time will kick off her campaign on February 18 when she will try to win her third consecutive Group Two Breeders’ Classic (1200m).

The mare has been transferred to Pride from John O’Shea who will take over the running of the Darley operation in May.

“The owners want to keep racing her into the winter so they wanted to have the same trainer all the way through her preparation,” Pride said.

“She looks fantastic and is settling into her new surroundings.

“She’ll kick off in the Breeders’ Classic which she has won for the last couple of years.”

Pride also has Terravista, Title and See The World among his autumn participants.

“I think I’ve got the strongest team I’ve had coming into a carnival,” he said.

“There is always a high attrition rate so you need numbers to start with.