Less travel for Zero ahead of Flemington

Lindsay Park has stepped away from its usual protocol with evergreen galloper Extra Zero ahead of a 2000m-handicap at Flemington.

Instead of returning the rising 11-year-old to Euroa in country Victoria, the stable elected to leave Extra Zero at its Flemington base after his last-start second on July 8.

Co-trainer Tom Dabernig said there was no specific reason for leaving Extra Zero in Melbourne ahead of Saturday’s George Watson Handicap.

While the gelding often returns to Lindsay Park to spend time in a paddock after races, the stable decided on a different format leading into Saturday.

“He does well wherever he is,” Dabernig said.

“Sometimes with horses we race at Flemington and there’s another race a week or so later, we’ll just leave them down there.”

Extra Zero has been in sparkling form.

He won at his 100th career start at Flemington in May and has followed it up with two solid runs since.

Dabernig blamed a slow pace for his defeat last time in the race won by Pacodali who is again a rival.

“The small field didn’t help him but he still ran really well last start,” Dabernig said.

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“It looks a good race for him again.”

While Extra Zero can settle into any stable environment, sprinter Ruettiger prefers the rural surrounds at the Euroa property.

Ruettiger runs in the K A Morrison Handicap (1200m) after finishing third behind Ability in the All Victorian Sprint Final at Flemington on July 8.

He will have the benefit of Brandon Stockdale’s 3kg claim on Saturday.

“He works a bit keen at Flemington so he does all his work at the farm,” Dabernig said.

“He’s been getting closer to a win and the claim brings him in nicely.”

Highland Beat will be chasing back-to-back Flemington wins in the Flemington Event Staff Handicap.

Success at the track on July 8 broke a 15-month drought while giving Beau Mertens his 80th metropolitan winner, ending the apprentice’s claim.

Mertens again has the ride on Saturday.

“There doesn’t look an obvious race for him in the new season so we’ll go again on Saturday,” Dabernig said.

“Coming back from 1200 metres to 1100 might be a little concern, but I don’t think it’s a major issue.”