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."

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