Trainer John Hyam expects veteran sprinter Esprit De Bullet to bounce back from defeat when he returns to his favourite distance at Flemington.

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The eight-year-old ran into traffic problems at his most recent start over 1200m when he raced at his home track, Morphettville, in Adelaide.

He comes back to 1000m in the Red Tempo Handicap at Flemington on Saturday, the distance of five of his 11 wins.

He has yet to win down the straight course at Flemington but Hyam is hoping to get him into the Group One Lightning Stakes in February and will use the race as a test.

“He’s ten times better over 1000 or 1100 metres,” Hyam said.

“He always has the genuine speed in the race, and where he can camp off, he has a real good turn of foot and can get that last crack at them.”

He drew a line on Esprit De Bullet’s won over Vatican at Moonee Valley on November 23.

That form was franked two weeks later when Vatican won the Listed Doveton Stakes at Caulfield.

“They all had their chances when he beat Vatican but he was too strong for them and his fitness is starting to peak now,” Hyam said.

“He might be eight years old but he thinks he’s a two-year-old again.”

“After this we’ll put him in the paddock for a bit and then set him for the Lightning Stakes.

“There are a few nice races left in him.”

Vlad Duric will ride Esprit De Bullet at Flemington where he has top weight of 60kg.