Regan Bayliss is hoping another Lindsay Park-trained outsider can give him successive wins in the Ballarat Cup.
As an apprentice last year Bayliss guided $16 chance Pilote D’Essai to an all-the-way victory while on Saturday he partners veteran Extra Zero in the 2200m-Listed Ballarat Cup.
Extra Zero , who is lining up for start No. 108 which includes seven wins and almost $1.75 million prize money, is currently an $18 chance.
Last year’s victory was Bayliss’ second feature win after he teamed up with Lindsay park trainers David and Ben Hayes and Tom Dabernig after beginning his apprenticeship with Peter Moody.
Bayliss had a good rapport with Pilote D’Essai and followed up his Ballarat Cup success by riding him to victory in the Pakenham Cup two weeks later.
He then rode him in two starts during the autumn before the gelding went amiss.
“It’s a shame he broke down as I thought he could potentially win a Group One race,” Bayliss said.
“He was very talented and went on to win the Pakenham Cup, so to go back-to-back here would be very special.”
Throughout Extra Zero’s 107-start career, Bayliss has ridden the 11-year-old twice.
The first time was as an apprentice in May last year while his most recent was at Flemington in August.
Bayliss is looking forward to partnering the gelding after Extra Zero finished a closing fourth in the Kyneton Cup at his most recent start on November 8.
“He’s an old warhorse and an old stable favourite that started his racing career long before I did,” Bayliss said.
“He’s never far away in his races and his run in the Kyneton Cup suggests he ready to run a really cheeky race.
“He’s drawn a beautiful barrier in what looks an even Ballarat Cup.”
Imported galloper Mr Garcia has been solidly supported to give Darren Weir his second victory in his hometown Cup after Just The Part won in 2004.
Mr Garcia won for German trainer Andreas Wohler during Melbourne Cup week at Flemington and is the $2.90 top elect ahead of Antonio Giuseppe ($5) and Grey Lion ($6).
