Lindsay Park will turn to Evaporate as their main chance in Melbourne this weekend, with the colt headlining their team in the Group 3 Sandown Stakes (1500m) at Sandown.

Stablemate Rise At Dawn was originally dual accepted for the Sandown feature but has been rerouted to Sydney to run in the Group 2 Shannon Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill. Ben Hayes said the move was part of longer-term planning with the promising galloper.

“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 and he’s really come on well. There’s also the option of coming back down for the Toorak, but Sydney looks a good fit.”

That leaves Evaporate as the stable’s main player in Melbourne. He was scratched from last week’s Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) due to a virus, but Hayes confirmed he is now back in full health.

“He got a little virus which put him back a week, so we had to back off,” Hayes explained. “We didn’t want to take any risks, but he trialled strongly last Friday. We’ve also made a gear change, taking the earmuffs off, which I think a lot of punters will like. He’s right on track and I feel it’s a good race for him to perform.”

Evaporate was last seen running fifth in the Group 2 P B Lawrence Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield in August. A year ago he won the Group 2 Stutt Stakes (1600m) before finishing third in the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m).

Hayes said a wide draw on Saturday could be ideal. “He’s drawn where he’ll get galloping room, and that’s what he really needs. I think you’ll see the real Evaporate on Saturday.”

The stable will also be represented by The Pendragon, who Hayes expects to improve stepping up in trip after finishing last in the Listed Chautauqua Stakes (1200m) earlier this month.

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