After a promising jumps debut at Warrnambool, Extra Zero returns to the track where he almost claimed the biggest win of his flat career.

Extra Zero goes back to flat racing on Saturday to contest the Might and Power Handicap at Flemington.

It’s the same course and distance Extra Zero finished runner-up in the 2015 Australian Cup when beaten a nose by stablemate Spillway, one of his 19 second placings from 87 career starts.

The Lindsay Park team of David Hayes and Tom Dabernig selected Saturday’s assignment rather than head to Ballarat for a maiden hurdle on Wednesday.

“We thought 2000 metres at Flemington looked a good race for him,” Hayes said.

“He races well at the track so we thought we would give him his chance.”

Hayes said the switch back to the flat does not mean the end of Extra Zero’s jumping career.

“Sometimes after jumping and going back to the flat it can stimulate them a bit,” he said.

Extra Zero’s return to the jumps could be as early as Saturday week for the Australian Hurdle at Sandown, although Hayes said a maiden hurdle is a more likely option.

Blinkers and a tongue tie return to Extra Zero’s gear after the gelding’s tongue was flapping out the side of his mouth late in the race at Warrnambool.

“He was really good at Warrnambool where he went up to win but the wet track killed him,” Hayes said.

“He got a little bit tired late so we’ve put a tongue tie on him. He didn’t get it (his tongue) over the bit, it was out the side.

“He’s in great order but he doesn’t win that often so it’s pretty hard to tip him, but he often runs a place.”

Article from JustHorseRacing.com.au