Extra Zero (black cap) and Spillway fight out the Australian Cup (Photo Darren McNamara)
Australian Cup runner-up Extra Zero remains on track to contest a 2400-metre event on 28 March, but it will be worth a bit more than the one he was originally being set for, reports racing.com.
The veteran gelding raced his way into the $1.5 million Group 1 The BMW with his outstanding effort, when a nose second to stablemate Spillway, in Saturday’s $1 million Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington.
Co-trainer David Hayes said he had initially intended to send Extra Zero to the $350,000 Listed Mornington Cup (2400m), but has raised the bar in light of his near-blowout victory at $101.
“We were going to set him for the Mornington Cup, because I think he’s racing like a mile-and-a-half is going to suit him, but we’ve done the big switch and we’re going for The BMW,” Hayes said.
“He gave The BMW favourites a start and a beating yesterday and, all bar Spillway, he was an impressive winner.”