Rob Heathcote won’t die wondering whether he was good enough to win a Group 1 in Sydney or Melbourne.

Brisbane’s premier trainer prepared another G1 placegetter when Buffering finished third to Black Caviar in the Lightning Stakes at Flemington on Saturday.  They had been runner-up to the world champion in the G1 Patinack Farm Classic at headquarters in November.

Stablemate Woorim also went close in a Caulfield G1 during the Melbourne spring carnival.

Heathcote has G1 plans for his smart mare Tomboy who boosted her record to 8 wins from 14 starts in the Redmondis & Energywatch Hcp (1350m) on Saturday.  “That was a tough win considering I haven’t been able to put a saddle on her all week,” Heathcote said.  “She has joint problems and is a regular at the beach.”

Tomboy (4m Murphy’s Blu Boy – Tomber by Jeune) is on trial for a start in the G1 Coolmore Classic at Rosehill in April.  Heathcote will make a decision on a trip south after she runs in the LR Tatts Member’s Cup (1600m) at Eagle Farm on March 3.

Tomboy is from an unraced daughter of G3 winner Autumn Leaves (Salmon Leap) and cost just $10,000 at the 2009 Gold Coast Magic Millions.  She was purchased by former Queensland trainer Shaun Dwyer who subsequently moved to Victoria.

“She showed ability but was injured so the owners sent her back to Brisbane,” Heathcote recalled.  “She was a bit of a hot-head early on but settled down and is much better now.”

Tomboy is by former Hunter Valley based sire Murphy’s Blu Boy who died in December 2010, soon after transferring to Bullarook Park in Victoria.