Buffering has completely recovered from a reaction to a vaccination but the stable says he could still be vulnerable in Saturday’s Group Two Schillaci Stakes (1000m) at Caulfield.

Robert Heathcote’s travelling representative Melissa Leitch says there is a slight concern over Queensland’s reigning Horse of the Year coming back from the 1200 metres of his first-up Moir Stakes win.

But Leitch said Buffering, who was off colour after inoculations for a possible trip to Hong Kong, was well and happy and had the class to carry him through.

“There’s a little concern, being 1000 metres,” Leitch said.

“If it had been 1100 or 1200, Rob and myself would have been quite confident.

“He’s a little bit vulnerable, maybe, but I think his class will pull him through.

“He’s 100 per cent sound and he’s a tough little fellow, you couldn’t ask for much more.”

Buffering’s longer term aim is the Group One Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on October 26.

“The reason we’re actually running him in this race is to take any edges off and get him ready and 100 per cent for the Manikato, which is two weeks after,” Leitch said.

“That’s our goal, on the Friday night before the Cox Plate and we’re just hoping that this will top him right off.”

Buffering recorded six Group One placings last season competing against Black Caviar and Hay List among others.

In the absence of the two stars this spring, Buffering gets the chance to finally snare a win at the top level.

He is the dominant favourite on Saturday over Sydney visitor Pampelonne from the Tim Martin stable and the Peter Moody-trained Golden Archer.