Now that Buffering has broken his Group One hoodoo, trainer Robert Heathcote would like to think he can double up against a similar field at Flemington.

A 10-time Group One placegetter before his Manikato Stakes victory at Moonee Valley last month, the Queensland champion will do battle with the Hong Kong star again in Saturday's VRC Sprint Classic (1200m).

Lucky Nine has been posted favourite for the $1 million race which features fellow Group One winners Epaulette, Temple Of Boom, Bel Sprinter, Moment Of Change, Platelet, Shamexpress and Rebel Dane.

"It's a cracking race," Heathcote said.

"You could argue Lucky Nine was a little unlucky at Moonee Valley which is a quirky track.

"In saying that the Flemington straight can be tricky and the experience Buff has had with seconds to Hay List and Black Caviar helps.

"He bumped into a couple of superstars.

"I've made the analogy before but it's true that he keeps getting in the ring with the heavyweights and keeps getting bashed up but comes back for more.

"He is such a resilient little horse."

Buffering's experiences with the Flemington straight include a win in the Group Two Schillaci Stakes last spring and a close second to Hay List in the 2012 Newmarket Handicap after his third to Black Caviar and Hay List in the Lightning.

After Saturday, Buffering will head west with Heathcote keen to show him off to Perth fans later this month in the Winterbottom Stakes.

Buffering will be accompanied on the trip by stablemate Fire Up Fifi whose initial foray into Group One company was a fine third in Saturday's Myer Classic behind the Chris Waller pair Red Tracer and Catkins.

"Buffering is a good traveller and the people from Perth have been working to get us over there," Heathcote said.

"I haven't had a holiday for 18 months and it would be nice to play a bit of golf and drink a few cold beers.

"Fire Up Fifi has come through the Myer in good shape and will go over for the Railway Stakes."

In the excitement of Buffering's Manikato win, Heathcote flagged a possible tilt at the Group One sprints at Royal Ascot in June but is now looking elsewhere.

"I go between yes and no but I think it's in the too-hard basket," he said.

"If he goes overseas it will be to Hong Kong next year.

"We have a big autumn planned with Group Ones in Sydney and at home in Brisbane in the winter."

Heathcote will also saddle up Solzhenitsyn at Flemington where the dual Toorak Handicap winner is aiming to put his last-start performance behind him.

The seven-year-old finished last in Saturday's Mackinnon Stakes and will be fitted with a tongue tie to combat the possibility of choking down.