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By Ray Hickson

It’s all about the run talented four-year-old Evaporate is afforded that will dictate his chances in Saturday’s $10 million Golden Eagle (1500m) at Randwick.

That’s the view of co-trainer Ben Hayes who is adamant the gelding can have a major say in the finish, and pose a serious threat to favourite Autumn Glow, if the early part of the race pans out for him.

It didn’t pan out in the Toorak Handicap three weeks ago and Evaporate, $10 with TAB on Friday, was still good enough to run second which Hayes said speaks to his ability.

“As long as he gets into a nice rhythm, Nash is a strong rider, he’s in it up to his ears,’’ he said.

“If we get the right run he’s definitely good enough and he’s already shown that.

“He’s a horse with a big stride so it’s all about momentum with him. When he trounced them in the Carbine Club he got into a lovely rhythm and they couldn’t catch him.

“Once he gets into that rhythm he’ll give a good kick.”

Evaporate’s only trip to Randwick was that Carbine Club back in April and as Hayes highlighted that race worked out perfectly as he accounted for Swiftfalcon over the mile.

TRANSATLANTIC ❤️💛

It's Tony Gollan in the Toorak again! Transatlantic goes all the way and gives the Queenslander's another big one 💪 pic.twitter.com/y5l9wHHKh4

— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) October 11, 2025

Evaporate runs second in the Toorak Handicap (Video: 7HorseRacing on X)

The Toorak has proven to be a handy reference for the Golden Eagle in the six editions to date – both I’m Thunderstruck (2021) and I Wish I Win (2022) have come through the Caulfield mile.

Hayes, who co-trains with brothers Will and JD, said Evaporate’s Toorak hopes weren’t helped when he was slowly away and as a result raced a bit keenly and couldn’t get into his rhythm.

For him to run Transatlantic, who he beat in the Sandown Stakes and who since won the Five Diamonds Prelude, to a close margin was pleasing enough going into his main target.

“It didn’t quite work out, the eventual winner was the leader and he did everything but win,’’ he said.

“He was super strong through the line. The slight step back in trip is no problems, if anything it’ll be better and a stronger tempo will suit him.

“I think the horse is in great order, I’m happy with the barrier and his final piece of work was excellent.”

The TAB Everest didn’t pan out for War Machine two weeks ago but Hayes saw some merit in how the hit the line.

The Stradbroke winner finished tenth and Hayes is looking for him to bounce back in the $3 million Russell Balding Stakes (1300m) which he hopes will be a more solidly run contest.

“He ran well below expectation but his work through the line was very good,’’ he said.

“You don’t really see it because of Angel Capital, he finished off a bit better but we were second best.

“He’s a horse that likes galloping room and he got squeezed and out of his rhythm but when he got clear air he finished off well.”

All the fields, form and replays for Saturday’s Golden Eagle meeting at Randwick