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Four has been Buoyant’s favourite number since his return to New Zealand, with the Group Three winner having recorded that placing in all three of his starts this preparation, and owner-trainer Sabin Kirkland is hoping to break that sequence when he heads to Gore on Sunday.
The six-year-old son of Dalghar had been hampered by foot issues, however, Kirkland believes he has got on top of those issues now and is confident of a bold showing in the Dynes Transport Tapanui Cup (1335m).
"I am very happy with him," Kirkland said. "We had a few issues earlier on, a few foot issues, but I think we have gotten over them. He is right on target.
"They have been good runs, but let's hope we can change that (string of fourth placed runs) this weekend. He is 100 percent right this time."
Buoyant will benefit from apprentice jockey Donovan Cooper's two-kilogram claim, adding to the long list of positives for the gelding heading into the weekend.
"He will only have 52 kilos on his back, he has drawn nicely, he has won on the track and over the distance, he ticks all of the boxes," Kirkland said.
TAB bookmakers share Kirkland's confidence, installing him a $2.70 favourite for Sunday's feature, ahead of Firoden at $6.
Two years ago, Buoyant recorded one of his biggest wins when taking out the Listed Hazlett Stakes (1200m) at Wingatui on Boxing Day, and while that date is no longer home to the sprint feature, Kirkland is eyeing a return to the venue next week before setting his charge for a stakes assignment next month.
"We will nominate for Dunedin on Boxing Day and then we will look at the Speight's Sprint (Listed Timaru Stakes, 1200m) on the 25th of January at Riccarton," he said.
Earlier on the card, Kirkland will line-up stablemate Neptune in the Robert Dennis Racing Share Available (1335m), with a view to returning to the venue to tackle the Listed Liquorland Gore Guineas (1335m) in February.
"I am very pleased with him," Kirkland said of the homebred son of Prince Of Brooklyn. "We are going to get a bit of rain, so that will help.
"He drew 12 last time and this time he has drawn five, so he should get a lovely sit.
"He has won at the course and over the distance. It is a preview to the Gore Guineas really, that is the big reason why he is going."