Knight’s Choice is slated for a return to Flemington this weekend, the track where the gelding became a familiar name almost two years ago.
The surprise victor of the 2024 Melbourne Cup will continue his journey towards Australia’s most celebrated race in Saturday’s $300,000 Group 2 The Bart Cummings (2520m).
Following his Melbourne Cup win, Knight’s Choice did not participate in any further races during the 2024/25 season. His attempt to defend his Cup title last spring was curtailed after a solitary run, a sixth place in the So You Think Stakes at Moonee Valley, and he raced exclusively in Queensland towards the close of the last season.
The Extreme Choice gelding’s two starts this current campaign resulted in a 12th in the Heatherlie Stakes (1700m) and a ninth in the Naturalism Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield. The return to Flemington is expected to bring back fond memories for training partners Sheila Laxon and John Symons.
“It will be fantastic to get him back there, that’s what racing’s all about,” Laxon stated.
“It’s a big ask for him on Saturday, but you have your dreams and we’ve got another one with him.”
Laxon might be even more optimistic about the seven-year-old’s return to Headquarters given the more favourable weather forecast for Melbourne this week. Up to 25mm of rain is expected on Thursday, with a potential of another 20mm on Friday and showers on raceday.
“That’s not going to be too his liking, but we’ve got to do the mileage to get him there (Melbourne Cup),” Laxon remarked.
“He likes a Good 3. He really relishes it, but as soon as he gets his toe on the ground he doesn’t use his great stride like he does on a firm track.”
Knight’s Choice encountered challenging conditions last start in the Naturalism Stakes, where he was unable to be fully extended and was racing with limited room for much of the race, yet he was still only beaten by 2-1/2 lengths.
“It was a great run at Caulfield, I was surprised to see him (race near the) lead like he did and then he couldn’t get a run in the straight, so he could have finished a lot closer than he did,” Laxon explained.
“But it was a fittening run, and that’s what he needs.
“I am so pleased with what stage he’s at and he pulled up very strongly and well after that run at Caulfield.”
“He’s got top weight and, certainly, if it’s wet he won’t be a chance, but if it’s dry and he gets an inside draw and smokes his pipe on the way around, it might be a different story.”
Knight’s Choice, who is allocated 56.5kg for the Melbourne Cup, is set to carry 60kg in The Bart Cummings. Many of his rivals are also aiming for the ballot exemption that guarantees a start in the prestigious ‘two-miler’ on the first Tuesday in November. Consider the available online bookmakers for your betting selections.