Futurity Stakes offers Evaporate shot at breakthrough Group 1
Although yet to secure a Group 1 triumph, the connections of Lindsay Park's Evaporate believe elite-level success is just around the corner for their charge.
This Saturday at Caulfield, the Ben, Will and J D Hayes-prepared four-year-old begins his autumn assignment in the Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m).
According to Ben Hayes, the horse arrives more battle-tested this time, positioning him favourably for the challenges ahead.
Prior Group 1 appearances number five for Evaporate, with three minor placings recorded, notably third in the Caulfield Guineas, second in the Toorak Handicap, and a recent third behind Jimmysstar in the C F Orr Stakes.
The Lindsay Park team backed the then three-year-old to tackle the Cox Plate, finishing tailed off behind Via Sistina, before placing fourth in the previous Futurity Stakes won by Mr Brightside en route to New Zealand.
True to Lindsay Park tradition, Evaporate had a short break post-Orr Stakes before completing two jump-outs in readiness for Saturday.
"I think he's trialled up very well this time around," Hayes said.
"What we really like is he seems a lot more relaxed and has shown us a really good turn of foot in both his jump-outs and his work at home.
He's a horse that has always shown us above average ability and it's a race he can run very well in.
"He has already shown that he is capable at weight-for-age before and he's a more hardened horse now."
Hayes is confident in Evaporate's improved condition this campaign, yet recognises Treasurethe Moment as a significant obstacle.
The rival returned last spring to capture the Group 1 Memsie Stakes over the identical Caulfield 1400m, toppling Mr Brightside.
"It would be nice to get that Group 1 on his CV," Hayes said of Evaporate.
"He's a Group 1 horse, but we're going to run into a horse like Treasurethe Moment who was amazing last spring campaign.
"But I think we've improved, which we have to, to beat her."
Visit Australian betting sites to find the best racing odds for the Futurity Stakes.
More Racing News
Buckaroo welcomes Jye McNeil for Futurity Stakes return
Cox Plate placegetter Buckaroo will have jockey Jye McNeil back on board for his opening outing of the autumn series at Caulfield.The gelding heads into the Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday, piloted by McNeil.In the gelding's tally of 31 career starts, McNeil has only been aboard...
Walker team warming to Geegees Mistruth ahead of Caulfield feature
Mark Walker's Cranbourne stable has developed an increasing fondness for Geegees Mistruth the longer she has been in their care.The four-year-old, bred in Tasmania, transferred to the Walker outfit last spring following preparation by Stuart Gandy.With six successes in 15 races, Geegees Mistruth remains without a mainland triumph, but hopes...
Berry confident in Ninja's Hobartville Stakes bid
Premier jockey Tommy Berry reckons a Queensland summer campaign has reshaped the previously unruly Ninja, placing his trust in the gelding to match the top three-year-olds at Rosehill.During his Queensland stint, Ninja raced three times, claiming victory in the Vo Rogue Plate (1300m) at Eagle Farm and battling from a...
Stablemates Sam Hawkens and Athabascan chase common Sydney Cup prize
Tom Charlton and John O'Shea are anxiously awaiting confirmation of a run for fresh addition Sam Hawkens in the Parramatta Cup, whereas stable companion and Sydney Cup contender gelding Athabascan is confirmed to take part.Once prepared by William Haggas, Sam Hawkens holds first reserve status for Saturday's key 1900m contest,...
O'Brien backs Closer to free despite inexperience for blue diamond stakes
Danny O'Brien refuses to let Closer To Free's shortage of race exposure hinder expectations for the colt in Victoria's leading juvenile feature at Caulfield.The colt secured entry to Saturday's Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield via a winning performance in the Blue Diamond Prelude (1100m) on February 7.O'Brien...
Big Sky sidelined ahead of Blue Diamond Stakes after vet checks
X-rays taken after a canter workout at Cranbourne have excluded favourite Big Sky from Victoria's leading race for two-year-olds.Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr's colt had been installed as the top pick for Saturday's Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m), but the trainer was displeased with the colt's movement spotted...
Thornton backing Run Lucy Run for Ipswich repeat
Trainer Glenn Thornton is aware of Run Lucy Run's capabilities, but unlocking her top form requires a patient approach that he believes will ultimately prove fruitful.Having shifted from Victoria to the Gold Coast, the handler is developing his 12-strong 2026 string, and Run Lucy Run seeks to capitalise on her...
Autumn Mystery's autumn plans target South Australian Derby
The staying three-year-old Autumn Mystery kicks off his bid for the South Australian Derby taking on more experienced competitors at Caulfield.Having most recently been eighth across the line in the Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington during November, Autumn Mystery now contests the benchmark 84 Lamaro's Hotel Handicap (1400m) this Saturday.Rory...
Berry optimistic as Incognito targets Silver Slipper redemption
It's no simple task to chart the progress of a two-year-old with limited starts, above all following a bump in their autumn campaign.Jockey Tommy Berry is leaning towards positivity though, with Incognito ready to relaunch his Golden Slipper bid during Saturday's Silver Slipper (1100m) at Rosehill.Previously the market elect for...
Oakleigh Plate looms as key target for Don't Hope Do
The connections of Don't Hope Do have devoted 18 months to strategising, and now they can observe the results in Caulfield's Group 1 sprint event.According to trainer Simon Zahra, Saturday's Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield represents the strongest prospect for Don't Hope Do to secure a Group 1 success.He teamed...