The Lindsay Park training partnership of Ben, Will and JD Hayes will pin their hopes on Evaporate as their key contender in Saturday’s Group racing at Sandown.
Stablemate Rise At Dawn had also been entered for the Group 3 Sandown Stakes (1500m), but connections opted to send him north for the Group 2 Shannon Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill instead.
Ben Hayes confirmed the decision was made with an eye to bigger spring riches in Sydney.
“He’s in great order and with him we’re thinking the Five Diamonds over 1800 metres might be a good race for him,” Hayes said. “He ran so well in the Doncaster going that way as well. It was a tough run first-up and he’s really come on well and there is the option of coming back down here and running in the Toorak.”
Rise At Dawn had been considered one of the main hopes for the Sandown Stakes alongside Evaporate and Transatlantic, but his withdrawal leaves Evaporate as Lindsay Park’s headline act in Melbourne.
Evaporate missed last Saturday’s Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield due to a virus, but Hayes said the setback was only minor.
“He got a little virus which put him back a week, so we had to back off,” Hayes explained. “We didn’t want to take any risks being the horse he is, but he trialled last Friday and trialled well. We’ve done a gear change, taking the earmuffs off, and he’s right back on track. I feel it’s a good race for him to run well on a nice big track.”
Evaporate was last seen finishing fifth to Private Eye in the Group 2 P B Lawrence Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on August 16. On this weekend 12 months ago, he claimed the Group 2 Stutt Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley before placing in the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m).
Hayes is optimistic the wide draw will give the colt the galloping room he needs.
“He’s drawn a barrier where he will get a bit of galloping room, which he needs,” Hayes said. “I think you’ll see the real Evaporate on Saturday.”
The stable will also saddle The Pendragon, who finished last in the Listed Chautauqua Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley when making his debut for Lindsay Park. Hayes expects the step up in trip to spark improvement.
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