Robert Heathcote's stable star Buffering is in the paddock but the trainer is still looking to play a major role on Brisbane's premier race day at Eagle Farm.

Heathcote hopes Fire Up Fifi can take a big step towards winning the Group One Tatt's Tiara in a fortnight when she tackles Saturday's Dane Ripper Stakes (1400m).

Fire Up Fifi, who is getting close to retirement, was a good third in the BRC Sprint (1350m) behind Stradbroke Handicap contender River Lad at her most recent start.

"We put blinkers on her and she really hit the line. I would love her to get a chance for one more tilt at a Group One race." Heathcote said.

In-form jockey Tim Bell has the ride on Fire Up Fifi.

Heathcote has his young star Pinch River in the Hampden Stakes (1200m).

"He is coming along nicely and it was a good win first up. I think he is a horse for the future," he said.

The stable also has a strong hand in the Strawberry Road Hcp (1600m) with Veewap and Magic in Motion.

"They are at a big disadvantage with the way the weights were raised but both are racing well," Heathcote said.

Meanwhile, multiple Group One winner Buffering is doing well during his spell after Heathcote decided not to run him in the Stradbroke Handicap with a big weight.

Buffering finished third in his three autumn Group One starts in the TJ Smith, the BTC Cup and the Doomben 10,000.

Five times Brisbane's premier trainer, Heathcote is being challenged this season by young guns Tony Gollan and Matt Dunn.

Ahead of Saturday's racing, Gollan is in front on 44 with Heathcote 40.5 and Dunn 39.