Knight’s Choice is making a long-awaited return to Flemington this weekend, a track where the gelding cemented his reputation almost two years ago.
The surprise victor of the 2024 Melbourne Cup will continue his campaign towards Australia’s premier race in Saturday’s $300,000 Group 2 The Bart Cummings (2520m).
Following his Melbourne Cup triumph, Knight’s Choice did not compete again in the 2024/25 season. His bid for a Cup defence last spring was halted after just one outing, a sixth place in the So You Think Stakes at Moonee Valley. Subsequently, he raced exclusively in Queensland towards the end of the last season.
The Extreme Choice gelding’s two starts this campaign have seen him finish 12th in the Heatherlie Stakes (1700m) and ninth in the Naturalism Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield. A return to Flemington will undoubtedly evoke cherished memories for his 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 feel even more optimistic about the seven-year-old’s reappearance at Headquarters given the more favourable weather forecast for Melbourne this week. Anticipations include up to 25mm of rain on Thursday, potentially an additional 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 experienced track conditions that were not ideal last start in the Naturalism Stakes. Despite being confined for room for a significant portion of the race, he was only beaten 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, carrying 56.5kg in this year’s Melbourne Cup, is assigned 60kg in The Bart Cummings. Many of his rivals are also vying for the ballot exemption that guarantees a start in the prestigious ‘two-miler’ on the first Tuesday in November. Browse the latest Australian betting sites for competitive odds.