The evergreen sprinter had things his own way in the Moir Stakes last time out. As was the case in that race and when he won the Manikato Stakes a year ago, he beat the world's top-ranked sprinter in photo finishes.

"He might not be the best sprinter in the world but Buff is certainly the toughest," Heathcote said. "If they want to take him on, history shows they will break before he does.

"And if comes down to a dogfight he has pretty good record in those as well. Lucky Nine was the best in the world last year and he held him off and Lankan Rupee couldn't get past them in the Moir.

"He has a real determination when something comes up beside him."

The heavyweight battle could be on after Lankan Rupee's trainer Mick Price said his sprinter would be ridden more positively from the barriers and won't be looking to take a sit as he did in the Moir Stakes.

"Last time played more into Buffering's hands," Price said. "He was allowed to run the first three [furlongs, 600 metres] very soft and we tagged him.

"I just think the difference at Moonee Valley is Buffering gains a half-length on the turn and we lose a half-length. Don't be surprised to see Lankan Rupee fire out of the gates and lead him early."

Punters have swung around to the proven sprinters since the barrier draw. Lankan Rupee, which boasts an Oakleigh Plate, Newmarket Handicap and T.J. Smith on his resume this year, has been backed into favourite at $3.90 at Sportingbet.

Buffering is $6 to $5.50 as he looks for a fifth group 1 and second victory in the Manikato Stakes, while Joe Pride's emerging sprinter Terravista, looking for his first group 1 victory, is out to $4 after being $3.30 after the draw.

"The punters want to be with the old dogs," Sportingbet's Andrew Brown said. "It is interesting that we have written the odd big bet on newcomer [Terravista], but it has just been solid money for the other two. They want to be with Buffering and Lankan Rupee because they know what they will get."

Heathcote says as a contest the Manikato is probably the best group 1 race Buffering has been in. He is glad he has found "his enthusiasm and zest" again.

"In the autumn and winter I was worried about him," Heathcote said. "I thought he might have had enough. He is a seven-year-old and has been around for long time.

"He just wasn't himself but from the first time Damian [Browne] sat on him since a spell, he said he could feel it was back. Damian was the one who labelled it enthusiasm because the motor is still there."

Heathcote said this crop of sprinters were outstanding but not in the same class as the golden era headed by Black Caviar.

"I'm excited going to this race because everyone is there and ready to put their cards on the table," he said. "There is not much between a few of them.

"It was different when Black Caviar was around because we knew she was four or five lengths better than our bloke and Hay List probably had a couple on him as well.

"There are times I have gone to group 1 races with him and I knew I was running for second and third and was happy to be there because I was taking on the best sprinter I have seen in Black Caviar."