After so many near misses, Queensland sprinter Buffering finally had his moment to shine in a breakthrough Group One victory in Friday night's Manikato Stakes.

Buffering, in his 18th Group One attempt and after 10 minor placings, fended off a quality sprint field to defeat Hong Kong star Lucky Nine by a short half-head with Sessions another neck away third.

"Finally," an overjoyed trainer Robert Heathcote said.

"What can I say. He's had 18 goes at a Group One and he gets the job done tonight in a million dollar race. That's something special."

Buffering pulled up with a stone bruise after his Moir Stakes second to Samaready four weeks ago but Heathcote had the gelding in perfect order for Friday's 1200m sprint at Moonee Valley.

And after working to find the front from a wide gate, the courageous six-year-old wasn't going to be denied.

Lucky Nine, a five time Group One winner, settled close to the speed and challenged strongly late but just missed.

"They said Lucky Nine was the best sprinter in the world, but I've got one better," Heathcote said.

"He just puts in every time.

"They say this is the place where legends are made, and he's a legend to me."

Buffering will now head to the Group One VRC Classic (1200m) at Flemington in two weeks where a rematch with Lucky Nine awaits.

Brett Prebble, Lucky Nine's regular partner, can't wait for the sprinter's next start.

"He ran super but just hit a flat spot at the 450 metres which he never does," Prebble said.

"When he straightened up he was back to his usual self. He was so courageous and one more bound I had him."

Short-priced favourite Samaready got back in the field and never looked a threat in the run to the line.

"I thought she got too far back and got into a bit of traffic, but by the same token she was a bit disappointing in the run home," Samaready's trainer Mick Price said.

He said he doubted Samaready would press on to the VRC Classic.