Caulfield awaits Veight's possible resurgence
Tony and Calvin McEvoy's operation is hoping a reduction in class will ignite a comeback for Veight.
This Group 1 conquering son of Grunt remains winless since his George Ryder Stakes (1500m) score at Rosehill almost two years prior.
Coming off a Group 1 effort last time out, Veight contests the $200,000 VOBIS Gold So Si Bon (1400m) during Caulfield's Saturday program.
The gelding endured a tough 2024 spring, got the snip and pneumonia, managed only one outing in 2025 ending last in the Group 1 Doomben 10,000.
After a freshen-up, a paddock incident caused a neck injury, derailing a prospective spring return.
The McEvoys were optimistic about Veight's condition following the five-year-old's runner-up finish first-up in the Group 2 Australia Stakes (1200m) at Pakenham, then third in the Group 3 Kevin Heffernan Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield February 7.
Yet the father-son trainers were perplexed as Veight ended up tailed off in the Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield February 21.
"We went over him thoroughly and he has no issues at all," Calvin McEvoy said.
"The first two runs were good for the prep, but he had a tough run last time and put the white flag up early which was disappointing.
"We sent him back to Ballarat for a change of scenery and he's down in grade on Saturday, so we'll be looking for him to perform."
Veight's 18-start career has been stakes-orientated, save for his Pakenham maiden breakthrough in February 2023 and the subsequent Golden Eagle.
Set to shoulder 61kg Saturday, the ride goes to Jackson Radley utilising his 3kg claim.
Veight will experience an apprentice jockey for the first time under race rules.
"I'm not sure what's happened there, but we're able to use his claim," McEvoy said.
"He's got 58 (kg), so he's in pretty well in off his best form.
"I expect him to bounce back, but if he doesn't bounce back he might be looking after himself a little bit."
Punters should explore online bookmakers for competitive racing betting markets on the VOBIS Gold So Si Bon.
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