Get ready for a thrilling comeback story—or is it? Buccleuch, the once-promising son of Peltzer, is set to return to the track this Saturday at Flemington in the Thank You Firefighters Plate (1400m), but there’s a twist that has everyone talking. Trainer Patrick Payne isn’t mincing words: the talented gelding hasn’t exactly been lighting up the training track lately. So, what’s going on? And this is the part most people miss—could Buccleuch’s lackluster work be a sign of complacency, or is there more to the story? Let’s dive in.
After a stellar juvenile season where he won three of five starts—including a standout victory in the Listed Taj Rossi Series Final at Flemington last July—Buccleuch was given a well-deserved break. Payne and co-trainer Michelle Payne opted for a long-term strategy, skipping the early three-year-old season to preserve his potential for bigger races. But here’s where it gets controversial: despite this careful approach, Buccleuch’s recent trials have been, in Payne’s own words, just fair. Is this a cause for concern, or is he simply saving his best for race day?
Payne admits, ‘He’s had a bit of time off, and I don’t know whether he’s got a little bit complacent.’ It’s a bold statement that raises questions about how older horses handle downtime. Could Buccleuch be holding back, or is this a red flag? Payne isn’t ruling out the possibility that he’s just biding his time, but he’s also quick to point out that there’s no underlying issue. ‘There’s nothing wrong with him, but it’s a sit-and-see run,’ he explains. This cautious optimism sets the stage for a race that could go either way.
The ultimate goal remains the Group 1 Australian Guineas at Flemington on February 28, but Payne is pragmatic. ‘That’s the grand plan, but we’re going to have plans B and C as well,’ he says. This flexibility highlights the uncertainty surrounding Buccleuch’s current form. After all, his juvenile record—which includes a dominant maiden win at Echuca and a Stakes success at Flemington—was nothing short of impressive. But will that form translate now?
His lead-up work this campaign has been mixed, with a second in a Bendigo jump-out and a win at Avoca earlier this year. Yet, Payne isn’t sugarcoating the situation: ‘It’s definitely not ideal, but we can always stop and start again in the winter.’ This honesty is refreshing, but it also leaves fans wondering: is Buccleuch still the horse he once was?
Carrying 59.5kg and jumping from gate eight under apprentice Holly Durdon, Buccleuch is currently the $4.60 second favorite behind Sass Appeal. But with his recent form in question, is he a safe bet? Payne’s candid admission—‘I certainly wouldn’t jump in front of you to back him’—speaks volumes. Yet, he remains hopeful: ‘I just hope he runs better than expected.’
So, here’s the burning question: Is Buccleuch’s lackluster work a sign of complacency, or is he simply gearing up for a surprise comeback? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. One thing’s for sure—Saturday’s race will be one to watch, as Buccleuch either silences the doubters or leaves us all wondering what could have been.
