Leading Brisbane trainer Rob Heathcote has promised Hay List a speed battle from Buffering and a home straight challenge from stablemate Woorim in the Group One William Reid Stakes at Moonee Valley.Heathcote said his two star sprinters were in top order for Friday's night's 1200-metre weight-for-age showdown with Hay List who beat both of them last start in the Group Newmarket Handicap (1200m)."Hay List has the runs on the board but I can openly say that he won't get a soft lead around the Valle

Leading Brisbane trainer Rob Heathcote has promised Hay List a speed battle from Buffering and a home straight challenge from stablemate Woorim in the Group One William Reid Stakes at Moonee Valley.

Heathcote said his two star sprinters were in top order for Friday's night's 1200-metre weight-for-age showdown with Hay List who beat both of them last start in the Group Newmarket Handicap (1200m).

"Hay List has the runs on the board but I can openly say that he won't get a soft lead around the Valley in the William Reid," Heathcote said.

"Buffering is a determined, dogged, little bugger and he will be jumping and running and if Hay List wants to take him on good luck because I have got one (Woorim) out the back that might be smoking home."

On Monday Buffering, who was bloused on the line by Hay List in Newmarket, and Woorim who finished an eye-catching fifth, worked strongly over 1000 metres at Moonee Valley, running the last 400m in 24.31s.

"They didn't have a smoking hit out but it was good work and they did it pretty comfortably," Heathcote said.

He said Buffering had been an underrated sprinter but people were now starting to take notice of him.

"It is fair to say he got under the radar the last 12 or 18 months because of me as his trainer and being a visiting horse from Queensland," Heathcote said.

"Even when he ran third to Black Caviar and Hay List in Lightning Stakes last month it was considered a good run and about his best.

"However I think the Newmarket where he put two lengths on a pretty good field and got nailed by the best male sprinter, stands him as a genuine, quality sprinter."

Buffering is no stranger to Moonee Valley where he won the Group Three McEwen Stakes (1000m) in August.

The following month he gave 6.5kg to Sepoy in the Manikato Stakes and despite a wider draw matched strides with the champion three-year-old before finally surrendering to the pressure and finishing fourth.

Heathcote is banking on him being stronger horse this campaign and admits he will need to be to topple Hay List.

He said Woorim had the best finish of any horse bar Black Caviar and he was still walking on air after his Oakleigh Plate win when he stormed home from last to win in the final stride.

"I am confident of a big run from both my horses on Friday night without being confident of beating Hay List," Heathcote said.

"But he's there to be beaten and you can't beat him if you are home in the box."