Get ready for a thrilling comeback story—or is it? Buccleuch, the once-dominant colt, is set to return to the track this Saturday at Flemington, but his trainer, Patrick Payne, is sounding a cautious note. This talented three-year-old, a son of Peltzer, is aiming to kick off a campaign that could peak at the prestigious Group 1 Australian Guineas next month. But here’s where it gets intriguing: Payne admits Buccleuch hasn’t exactly been lighting up the training track lately. Is this a sign of complacency, or is he saving his best for race day?
Buccleuch’s journey so far has been nothing short of impressive. Last season, as a two-year-old, he dominated with three wins out of five starts, including a standout victory in the Listed Taj Rossi Series Final (formerly the Gibson Carmichael Stakes) at Flemington on July 5. That win marked his third consecutive triumph before he was given a well-deserved break for the spring. Payne, alongside co-trainer Michelle Payne, made the strategic decision to play the long game, skipping the early three-year-old season to preserve his potential.
And this is the part most people miss: Payne openly acknowledges that Buccleuch’s recent trials have been underwhelming. “He’s had a bit of time off, and I don’t know whether he’s gotten a little complacent,” Payne told Racing.com. “His work has been only fair, which isn’t ideal, but it’s not uncommon for horses to save themselves for race day as they mature.” Despite this, Payne remains cautiously optimistic, emphasizing that there’s no underlying issue—just a wait-and-see approach for Saturday’s Thank You Firefighters Plate (1400m).
The ultimate goal remains the Australian Guineas on February 28, but Payne isn’t afraid to pivot. “We’ve got plans B and C ready,” he commented, highlighting the flexibility needed in horse racing. Buccleuch’s impressive juvenile record—including a maiden win at Echuca and a stakes success at Flemington—certainly backs his potential. However, his lead-up work this season, including a second-place finish in a Bendigo jump-out and a win at Avoca, hasn’t set expectations sky-high.
But here’s the controversial question: Is Buccleuch’s recent performance a red flag, or is he simply biding his time? Payne himself admits, “I wouldn’t jump to back him just yet, but I hope he surprises us.” Carrying 59.5kg and jumping from gate eight under apprentice Holly Durdon, Buccleuch is currently the $4.60 second favorite behind Sass Appeal. Will he rise to the occasion, or is this the beginning of a new chapter in his career?
What do you think? Is Buccleuch’s lackluster training a cause for concern, or is he just a smart horse saving his energy? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on this intriguing comeback!
