Veight set to resume in the 2025 Doomben 10,000
Group 1 winner Veight will make his long-awaited return in the Doomben 10,000 on Saturday, this time as a gelding, as trainer Tony McEvoy embarks on a Queensland winter campaign with high hopes.
McEvoy, who trains alongside his son Calvin, said the decision to geld the George Ryder Stakes winner was difficult but necessary after a disappointing spring.
“It wasn’t an ideal decision to have to make, but we thought it was in the best interest of the horse,” McEvoy said. “He seems very good, and he’s acting right, which is great.”
Veight struggled in the Golden Eagle last prep, finishing 19th, but has been in Brisbane for almost two weeks preparing for a three-race campaign including the Kingsford Smith Cup and Stradbroke Handicap.
With barrier nine and Andrew Mallyon in the saddle, McEvoy believes Veight is well-placed to launch his prep, although he isn’t fully tuned yet.
“He’s not as forward as I would hope, but the run will improve him. He’s a very good horse and will compete, but if the ground’s wet, he’ll struggle,” he said.
Veight is quoted at $26 in current betting markets for the $1.5 million sprint. Overpass tops the betting at $3.70, followed by Sunshine In Paris ($5) and Schwarz ($5.50).
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