Evaporate up for 2025 CF Orr Stakes challenge

Ben Hayes believes Evaporate has earned his place in the deep end of Spring racing, confident the gelding can match it with stars Jimmysstar and Angel Capital in the $1 million CF Orr Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday.

The Per Incanto four-year-old was always set for the Golden Eagle, where he ran a slashing third. But Hayes admitted the stable did not expect him to return from the run looking as bright as he did, prompting a late-campaign tilt at Group 1 company.

“That’s the reason we’ve decided to run, he came back from Sydney and trotted up 100 percent sound and looked a million dollars, so we had no hesitation at all,” Hayes said.

“It’s a small but very good field, but we’ve always had a high opinion of him.”

Evaporate is now hunting his first Group 1 victory as the Orr Stakes shifts from its traditional February slot to a new November position. His Golden Eagle performance followed a brilliant second in the Group 1 Toorak Handicap (1600m), flipping the result of the Group 3 Sandown Stakes (1500m) where he had previously edged out Transatlantic.

His campaign began with a fifth in the Group 2 PB Lawrence Stakes (1400m), and he now drops back to that trip from the second-widest barrier — something Hayes actually embraces.

“I actually like it, I think the wide draw will work in his favour in the small field,” he said.

“Being one of the last to load will help him. It’s going to be a really tactical race. If he can jump well and, as long as he can get galloping room and get himself in a good rhythm, I think he’ll be very competitive.”

Jamie Melham, fresh from her Melbourne Cup victory, maintains the ride. Angel Capital jumps just inside Evaporate, while Jimmysstar holds barrier three.

For betting options on the CF Orr Stakes, visit the JHR bookmakers page.