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High profile Melbourne trainer David Hayes didn't mince words when assessing the chances of Extra Zero in tomorrow's $170,000 Commercial Club Albury Gold Cup.
Photo by Racing and Sports
“I'm very happy with the horse. The 2000 metres is ideal. We'd be disappointed if he isn't figuring in the finish,” Hayes stated.
The 49-year-old is seeking back to back wins in the Albury Cup, this year's field arguably the strongest line up in over a decade, after Growl (Brad Rawiller) won in 2010.
The last trainer to score successive cup wins was Richard Freyer with Personal Image and Taskwin in 2003-04.
And Hayes, from the renowned training dynasty started by his Hall Of Fame father Colin, believes four-year-old Extra Zero has snuck under the guard of many racing pundits.
“Watch the replay of the Blamey Stakes,” Hayes suggested. “Extra Zero is still trying to get out.
“He didn't have a run, no luck whatsoever. He should have finished with Whobegotyou and Dao Dao, if not won it.
“He's coming into the cup with an eighth placing. It should have been better.”
Extra Zero was beaten 3.4 lengths in the 1600m Blamey won by Whobegotyou but never saw daylight, going to the post hard held.
As a spring three-year-old, Extra Zero, owned by Sydney-based Bob and Jan Bergstrom, finished runner-up to Monaco Consul in the Victoria Derby, underpinning his staying talent.
While his autumn efforts fell short of expectations - Extra Zero scoring one Group Two win over 1800m at Caulfield - the Danzero gelding was thereabouts in high class events.
Last preparation, Extra Zero failed to fire, taken quickly through his distances up to 2500m.
“He was gelded last preparation, a bit backward and dour,” Hayes said. “This time he's back, back as good as ever if not better.
“I'll decide after tomorrow about Sydney.”
Extra Zero is entered for the $2 million Doncaster (1600m) and $2.25 million BMW (2400m).
“The Doncaster might be his race. Gai's mare (More Joyous) is going to get plenty of weight,” Hayes added.
Corey Brown partners Extra Zero, drawn ideally in barrier two and on the minimum (53kg).
“He's our All American boy,” Hayes joked referring to the pair's success in the Group One Emirates at Flemington in November 2009.
