The training partnership of Ben, Will, and J D Hayes is eagerly anticipating the upcoming spring racing season for their charge, Evaporate.

Although it’s still winter, the Caulfield race meeting scheduled for Saturday carries a distinct spring atmosphere, particularly the Group 2 P B Lawrence Stakes over 1400 metres.

This weight-for-age event has attracted a formidable lineup, with nine of the thirteen declared runners making their return from a spell.

Evaporate is among these horses and enters Saturday’s race following two impressive jump-out performances.

In the initial hit-out on July 17 at Werribee, Evaporate secured second place behind Zou Sensation. Two weeks later, on August 3 at Flemington, he triumphed over Caviar Heights in an 800-metre gallop.

“The second one was on the course proper, and he went well,” J D Hayes commented.

“He seems to have come back bigger and better which is pretty exciting for the spring as he has a pretty good CV to now, and hopefully he can improve on it.

“He’s been oh so close to a Group 1, so he doesn’t have to improve too far, we hope.”

Evaporate’s impressive record includes a second in last year’s Toorak Handicap, a third in the now Group 1 Golden Eagle, a third in the CF Orr Stakes, and a narrow second in the All-Star Mile.

Hayes noted that a Group 1 victory is the only accolade missing from Evaporate’s resume, which boasts six wins and nine placings from 23 starts, accumulating nearly $3.2 million in prize money.

Considering the Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield, scheduled two weeks after Saturday’s race, is shaping up to be a highly competitive affair, Hayes suggested that the So You Think Stakes (1500m) at Sandown on September 5 might be a more suitable target.

“We’ll get through Saturday first and then work it from there,” Hayes stated.

“The Memsie looks like a pretty hot edition, so he could go to Sandown the week after, but the Toorak Handicap (at Caulfield in October) does look appetising.

“He went oh so close last year and hopefully he can go one better this year if we decide to go that way.”

The in-form jockey Blake Shinn, who has recorded doubles in his first two meetings back from injury, is booked to ride Evaporate on Saturday. Jamie Melham will partner stablemate Coeur Volante.

Melham is also returning from a break, having last ridden in Victoria on ‘Finals Day’ at Flemington in July. She recently competed for the Rest of the World Team in the Shergar Cup at Ascot.

Coeur Volante achieved two victories over 1400m at Caulfield in June and July before finishing fourth last start behind Sass Appeal over the same distance at Flemington on August 1.

With the P B Lawrence Stakes being a key feature, consider exploring the latest Australian betting sites for potential wagers.