Tony Mcevoy admits the decision to geld Group One winner Veight was a tough one but hopes it will be vindicated ahead of a trio of Queensland feature races.
The George Ryder Stakes winner is set to resume in the Group 1 Doomben 10,000 (1200m) on Saturday, and McEvoy, who trains in partnership with his son Calvin, says the horse seems more relaxed as a gelding.
“It wasn’t an ideal decision to have to make, but we thought it was in the best interest of the horse,” McEvoy said from Brisbane.
“He seems very good, and he’s acting right, which is great.”
A three-run Spring campaign struggled to get off the ground for Veight who finished 19th of 20 in the Golden Eagle before a spell, with McEvoy admitting nothing went to plan.
“It was a combination of things, really. He was obviously getting a little bit fussy in his thinking, and he drew some bad barriers, and there were a few different factors, but we thought he’d be a better racehorse as a gelding.”
McEvoy has a traditional Brisbane campaign mapped out for Veight, who has been in Brisbane for 12 days, with the Kingsford Smith Cup (1300m) and Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) his likely progression.
The Ballarat based trainer is hesitant about the horse’s chances on Saturday, especially if the ground is wet, but was pleased with the horse drawing barrier nine in the field of 16, giving first-time jockey Andrew Mallyon options.
“Middle of the pack, that should allow Andrew to ride him where he’s comfortable.
“He’s not as forward as I would hope, but the run will improve him.
“He’s a very good horse, so he’ll match it with them, provided he gets conditions to suit, but if the ground’s wet, he’ll struggle.”
Veight is a $26 chance in Saturday’s market headed by $3.70 favourite Overpass, who finished second to Giga Kick in the 2023 Doomben 10,000 and has drawn barrier 10.
James Mcdonald has been booked for $5 second elect Sunshine In Paris, who has once again drawn wide in barrier 14, while Craig Williams has been booked to replace the suspended Blake Shinn aboard $5.50 chance Schwarz.
