Lindsay Park split stablemates in Stakes races

The Hayes brothers – Ben, Will and JD – will rely on Evaporate as their headline runner at Sandown this weekend after opting to send Rise At Dawn to Sydney instead.

Rise At Dawn was a leading chance for the Group 3 Sandown Stakes (1500m), but will now tackle the Group 2 Shannon Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill. Ben Hayes said the decision was made with the $2 million Five Diamonds in mind.

“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. “It was a tough run first-up, but he’s really come on well since then. There’s also the option of the Toorak, but Sydney suits the plan.”

That leaves Evaporate as Lindsay Park’s leading chance in Melbourne. He missed last week’s Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes due to a virus but is back on track.

“He got a little virus which put him back a week, so we had to back off,” Hayes said. “We didn’t want to risk him, but he’s bounced back, trialled well last week, and we’ve taken the earmuffs off as a gear change. He’s ready to run well on a big track.”

Evaporate’s spring campaign began with a fifth-place finish to Private Eye in the Group 2 P B Lawrence Stakes (1400m). This time last year he won the Stutt Stakes (1600m) before finishing third in the Caulfield Guineas (160m).

“He’s drawn wide, which should give him the galloping room he prefers,” Hayes said. “That’s when he produces his best, so I’m confident you’ll see the real Evaporate this weekend.”

The team also saddles The Pendragon, who is expected to improve stepping out over more ground after finishing last behind Angel Capital in the Chautauqua Stakes (1200m).

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