Buccleuch's dual weekend engagement options for trainer

Trainer Patrick Payne is facing a dilemma concerning his promising galloper, Buccleuch.

The four-year-old has earned a start in the Listed Testa Rossa Stakes (1440m) at Caulfield this Sunday. However, he is also assigned the highest weight in the Sportsbet Same Race Multi (1600m) at Mornington on the preceding day.

Payne holds a strong preference against racing his horses outside of their designated handicap ratings. Buccleuch, currently rated 86, is slated to compete in a benchmark 84 race at Mornington.

In contrast, at Caulfield, Buccleuch, carrying his 86 rating, will be up against War Machine, who boasts a 109 rating. Under the set-weights and penalties conditions of Sunday's event, Buccleuch will receive a weight advantage of only 2kg.

Buccleuch has shown significant improvement since undergoing successful surgery to address a wind ailment, having won twice at Sandown over 1400m.

Payne indicated that the Toorak Handicap (1600m) at Caulfield on October 10 could be a fitting race for the gelding. However, the trainer expresses concern that Buccleuch's current rating may preclude him from gaining entry.

"We had the tie back surgery with him and it's been very successful," Payne remarked.

"We were pleasantly surprised with how it went as he was always a handy horse."

"He was working really well at home, but you need to see what happens when they go to the races and come under pressure."

"He's an 86 horse now and most horses if they get to 80, they don't fluke it, but it's going to be difficult for him now."

"He was entered for the Testa Rossa on Sunday, but I wasn't that keen to run him out of his handicap, so I'd prefer to go to Mornington and then we'll look to do something clever after Saturday."

"The Toorak could be a lovely race, but I think his rating is too low and I hate racing them out of their handicap, but there are some nice Listed, Group 3 races down the track if he puts his hand up."

The trainer suggested that Buccleuch still has ample time to progress to a higher racing class.

To date, Buccleuch has competed in nine starts, achieving five victories and amassing over $300,000 in earnings.

"He's only a spring four-year-old, he's still got plenty of time," Payne commented.

"He'll be a better a four-year-old in the autumn and again as a five-year-old, so there is no panic from me."

The decision between the Testa Rossa Stakes and the Mornington race awaits Buccleuch, with trainer Patrick Payne weighing the options carefully. You can compare the latest racing betting markets for upcoming events.