David Hayes has set his best three-year-old colt Extra Zero for a first-up tilt at a race he would dearly love to win, the C S Hayes Stakes at Flemington on Saturday.Formerly known as The Debonair, the Victoria Racing Club changed the name of the Group Three event, now named after Hayes' late father and Hall-Of-Fame trainer Colin, before the 2008 running won by Playwright."I'd love to win my old man's race and I think he can," Hayes said."It's the sort of race he can win. Six furlongs(1200m) is

David Hayes has set his best three-year-old colt Extra Zero for a first-up tilt at a race he would dearly love to win, the C S Hayes Stakes at Flemington on Saturday.

Formerly known as The Debonair, the Victoria Racing Club changed the name of the Group Three event, now named after Hayes' late father and Hall-Of-Fame trainer Colin, before the 2008 running won by Playwright.

"I'd love to win my old man's race and I think he can," Hayes said.

"It's the sort of race he can win. Six furlongs(1200m) is a bit sharp for him first-up but seven (1400m) is ideal."

Extra Zero has won just one of eight starts to date claiming the Anzac Day Stakes (1410m) at Flemington as a two-year-old in April last year.

His three second placings include finishing runner-up to Monaco Consul in the Victoria Derby (2500m) at his latest start.

One of his best efforts was when he ran on nicely to finish fourth to Starspangledbanner in the Caulfield Guineas (1600m).

Hayes has the son of Danzero nominated for both the Australian Cup (2000m) and the Cadbury Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington on March 6 and is looking at taking him to Sydney after that for races such as the Rosehill Guineas (2000m) and the Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m).

"I think he's really good at a mile-and-a-quarter (2000m)," he said.

Extra Zero, a half-brother to stakes winners Johan's Toy and Operetta Lass, was bred by his owner Rob Bergstrom from Bellotto mare Extra Bubbly.

Brad Rawiller will ride Extra Zero who was backed in from $6.50 with TAB Sportsbet which now has him $3.40 favourite ahead of Encosta Belief at $4.80 with Eraset at $5.50 and Take The Rap at $6.50.