Trainer Joe Pride has turned disappointment into opportunity by switching plans for Laser Hawk to have a runner in the Epsom Handicap.

Pride lost Epsom fancy Rock Sturdy to a leg injury on Wednesday morning, prompting him to change course with Laser Hawk.

Laser Hawk was to have contested the Craven Plate but will now fly the flag for Pride in the Group One mile.

In what could prove a twist of fate, Pride recalled feeling similarly disappointed before a Group One Randwick mile a few years ago when one of his horse’s didn’t gain a start.

It ended happily.

“I remember being shattered about Vision And Power not getting a run in the Doncaster on race morning (in 2011) when it was really wet. He was an emergency and didn’t get a run,” Pride said.

“Sacred Choice ended up winning it, so things can play out like that.”

Laser Hawk drew gate 12 at Wednesday’s barrier draw and will be ridden by the Singapore-based Corey Brown.

Sacred Choice came from a similar draw to win the Doncaster.

While Laser Hawk was being prepared to run a longer trip, Pride said the six-year-old would have no trouble adapting to the mile.

“He’s a mile to 2000-metre horse so it’s not an issue and they’re pretty genuine miles, these Randwick miles,” Pride said.

“He’s a good quality horse and he hasn’t run too many bad races in his life. He’s a live chance for sure.”

Stablemate Tiger Tees wasn’t paid up for the Premiere Stakes after failing to recover from a barrier trial mishap last week but Rain Affair will take his place in the Group Two sprint.