Robert Heathcote is happy with the state of his star sprinters heading into the William Reid Stakes The same can't be said of Power Tracker William Reid Stakes favourite Hay List, but Robert Heathcote is thrilled with the state of his co-stable stars heading into tomorrow night's $400,000 Group 1 at Moonee Valley.Reliable geldings Buffering and Woorim are both at the top of their game and Queensland's leading trainer is confident of one more fine showing as they round out another productive Vict

Robert Heathcote is happy with the state of his star sprinters heading into the William Reid Stakes

The same can't be said of Power Tracker William Reid Stakes favourite Hay List, but Robert Heathcote is thrilled with the state of his co-stable stars heading into tomorrow night's $400,000 Group 1 at Moonee Valley.

Reliable geldings Buffering and Woorim are both at the top of their game and Queensland's leading trainer is confident of one more fine showing as they round out another productive Victorian campaign.

"I'm really happy with them," Heathcote said. "I've been so fortunate with them, they've floated down to Melbourne, they've both run a couple of blinders and they're still bucking their brands off.

"They're at the top of their game and, let's face it, horses have got to be at the top of their game to be competitive in Group 1 races and I'm lucky enough that my two boys are spot on."

That is in contrast to the John McNair-trained Hay List, who it was revealed yesterday has a slightly bruised heel and must pass a vet test before allowed to start in the race.

If Hay List, a $1.40 favourite with TAB Sportsbet, doesn't come up, Heathcote will most likely find himself with the favourite for the final feature of this year's Melbourne Festival of Racing.

But not with six-year-old Woorim, who provided the popular horseman with his maiden Group 1 win when he came from last at the 200m to win the Sportingbet Oakleigh Plate, rather Buffering.

The classy four-year-old was nabbed by Hay List in the final stride of the Lexus Newmarket Handicap on 10 March, having finished third to Black Caviar and Hay List in the Lightning Stakes at his previous outing.

Heathcote's pair have both drawn favourably - the speedy Buffering ($9) in barrier three and get-back Woorim ($13) gate eight - and while the presence of Hay List is daunting, Heathcote is aware his duo will get their chance if good enough.

"I'm under no illusion that Hay List is a champion," Heathcote said. "He doesn't have to prove anything else to have the champion tag hang around his neck, he proved it with a mighty win in the Newmarket carrying a big weight.

"It's fair to say meeting Hay List at level terms in weight-for-age conditions, it's going to be hard for any horse to beat him, but the barrier draw was crucial for Buffering's chances because, at the end of the day, we needed to draw inside Hay List to have any chance at all.

"I seriously doubt whether Hay List has got the speed to cross us - it will be my intention that he's not allowed to cross - so if he was to come out and try to cross it does set up a pretty fair tempo I would say, which may well suit Woorim.

"I want to win it, whether it's with Buffering or Woorim, I'll happily accept the trophy for either of them."

Michael Rodd, who rode Buffering in the Newmarket, retains the ride in the William Reid Stakes with top Queensland hoop Damian Browne to partner Woorim.

The Valley meeting has the potential to kick-start a massive weekend for Heathcote, who on Saturday morning will head to Sydney to watch his in-form mare Tomboy tackle the $600,000 Group 1 Coolmore Classic with top Victorian jockey Craig Williams in the saddle. (www.racingvictoria.net.au)