It was 3-year-olds to the fore in the running of the G2 Australia S. at Moonee Valley, with the Tony and Calvin McEvoy-trained star Veight (Grunt {NZ}) narrowly outpointing Southport Tycoon (Written Tycoon) in a pulsating finish to the feature of the program.
With a fast speed being poured on by Recommendation (Shalaa {Ire}), the two 3-year-olds had their metal tested against the older horses, and the pair responded to make their charge almost in unison, with Veight enjoying a tactical advantage that helped him secure the victory.
Positioned behind the speed by Damian Lane, the brilliant son of Grunt (NZ) was always travelling well, and was able to present with his run at the perfect time, outlasting Southport Tycoon as the pair grabbed Recommendation and denying a fast-finishing Crosshaven (Smart Missile).
Veight now holds an imposing record of four wins from eight career starts, and now holds the perfect platform to go and chase more Group 1 glory, which will only entrench him further as a genuine stallion prospect.
According to co-trainer Calvin McEvoy, while stretching out over further is an option deeper into the autumn, the team are eager to see what he can do over sprinting trips.
“Geez, that was bloody exciting, he’s a very nice colt. This was the plan, to kick him off here,” he told Racing.com.
“The plan is to go into the Orr, then The Futurity. We’re going to keep the door open to the Australian Guineas, but he’s pretty explosive at these 1200-to-1400-metre trips.
“When we targeted the Coolmore last prep, it was off the back of a (Caulfield) Guineas preparation, it wasn’t ideal. We did the best to freshen him up and he ran gallantly.
“But if we tried to train him that way (towards the Newmarket) there’s no reason why he couldn’t be a very good sprinter.”
Purchased for $220,000 by McEvoy Mitchell Racing and Damon Gabeddy’s Belmont Bloodstock (FBAA), Veight has already surpassed the million-dollar mark in terms of prizemoney, and also holds the distinction of being the most successful son of Grunt to hit the track so far.
This article was written by Jesse Dart and Keely Mckitterick for TTR AusNZ.
