Per Incanto’s son Evaporate is ready to fulfil expectations and complete a memorable New Zealand feature race double for brothers Ben, Will and JD Hayes.
He has headed betting for the $3.5 million The NZB Kiwi (1500m) since he was confirmed in early January by slot holder Entain as their representative in the inaugural running of the age group event.
The three-year-old will bid to emulate older stablemate Here To Shock, who was sent across the Tasman by the Lindsay Park operation last month to romp to victory in the Gr.1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa.
Evaporate arrived without incident last week and hasn’t missed a beat in the meantime.
“We’re staying with Lance Noble and he worked super (on Thursday morning), I am very happy with the way he’s settled in,” JD Hayes said.
“They are amazing facilities and we’re very lucky to be here. The horse has thrived and we’re all looking forward to Saturday.
“It will be his first start this way of going, but he seemed to handle the course proper gallop (at Ellerslie on Monday) very well.”
Evaporate has been successful four times from 12 appearances with his homecoming prompted by his spring form.
He completed four wins on the bounce when triumphant in the Gr.2 Stutt Stakes (1400m) and finished third in the Gr.1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) before tailing the field home in the Gr.1 Cox Plate (2040m).
“He put the writing on the wall as a very progressive three-year-old in the spring, we were approached for a slot and put a big circle around this date, so hopefully the plan comes off,” Hayes said.
Evaporate has further boosted his profile this time in with a resuming third in the Gr.2 Autumn Stakes (1400m) and off a wide run finished fourth, and less than two lengths off stablemate Mr Brightside, in the Gr.1 Futurity Stakes (1400m).
“We have done a lot of form and are respectful of the opposition, but we do feel that we’ve brought the right horse over,” Hayes said.
“He’s in barrier 10 and there looks to be some nice speed and we should be able to come across and get a nice run.”
Evaporate was bred by Little Avondale Stud, who remain in the ownership group, and will be partnered by regular rider Michael Dee.
The stable is primed for a massive afternoon with fan favourite Mr Brightside chasing a 10th elite level title in the Gr.1 All-Star Mile (1600m) at Flemington.
“He is fit and firing and will take a lot of beating, as he always does,” Hayes said.
Lindsay Park will also be represented by Rise At Dawn, an Almanzor four-year-old bred by Monovale Farm who has won eight of his 13 starts, including a last-start success in the Listed The Elms Handicap (1400m).
“He’s got a very good record and I’m excited, and that’s an understatement, for this weekend,” Hayes said.
