The stable of Tony and Calvin McEvoy relies on a grade reduction to trigger improved performances from Veight.
Last successful in the Group 1 George Ryder Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill close to two years ago, the Grunt-sired Group 1 winner has struggled since.
Post his latest Group 1 assignment, Veight lines up in Saturday’s $200,000 VOBIS Gold So Si Bon (1400m) at Caulfield.
In the 2024 spring Veight laboured, was gelded amid pneumonia troubles, then posted a lone 2025 appearance finishing bottom in the Group 1 Doomben 10,000.
Returned to spell, a paddock accident inflicted neck damage, halting spring aspirations.
Veight seemed on track for the McEvoys after opening with second in the Group 2 Australia Stakes (1200m) at Pakenham and bronze in the Group 3 Kevin Heffernan Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on February 7, the five-year-old now primed.
The trainers were left puzzled however when he was beaten out of sight 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.”
Through 18 outings, Veight has tackled stakes races bar his February 2023 Pakenham maiden win and the ensuing Golden Eagle.
With 61kg declared for Saturday, Jackson Radley takes the mount claiming 3kg.
An apprentice will pilot Veight in competition for the initial time.
“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.”
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