Sheila Laxon is yet to experience a Melbourne Cup Day without securing Australia’s most coveted racing trophy, and she harbours hopes of a repeat performance this Tuesday at Flemington.
Laxon, alongside her partner John Symons, has Knight’s Choice aiming for a second triumph in the prestigious 3200-metre Group 1 event.
Knight’s Choice delivered one of the most significant upsets in the race’s 165-year history, winning at odds of $91 two years prior, a feat that followed Laxon’s monumental win with Ethereal 23 years ago.
These two horses represent Laxon’s sole entrants in the Melbourne Cup to date.
Last year, Knight’s Choice was prevented from defending his title when his spring campaign was cut short due to a strangles outbreak at Macedon Lodge. However, this year has been free of complications, allowing him to prepare for another run.
“It’s a bit scary, isn’t it? It’d be 10 million-to-one that you could get that result,” Laxon remarked when questioned about the possibility of a perfect three-from-three record.
“But it’s been a great race for me. Just unbelievable.
“It was a shame about last year when we got strangles at Macedon Lodge and we were shut down for three months, but he’s back raring to go, so let’s hope he can figure in the finish.”
Historically, only five horses have managed to win the Melbourne Cup more than once. Peter Pan, victorious in 1932 and 1934, stands as the sole dual winner in non-consecutive years.
Knight’s Choice enters this year’s contest following a 14th-place finish in the Caulfield Cup, mirroring his performance in the same race two years ago.
In contrast to 2024, Knight’s Choice bypassed the Bendigo Cup this year. However, his unlucky third in the Group 2 Herbert Power Stakes (2400m) at his previous start reinforces Laxon’s conviction that the gelding is performing better than he was two years ago.
“I really do think he’s going better than he’s ever been going,” Laxon stated.
“He’s matured, he’s stronger, he’s got that smirk about him that he thinks he’s really good, so with luck in the running he’ll be there at the end.”
Knight’s Choice, who will be reunited with his Cup-winning jockey Robbie Dolan, secured barrier two, a draw Laxon was keen to see given the horse carries 5kg more than when he won, though she highlighted the track conditions as the most critical element for his chances.
The seven-year-old son of Extreme Choice performs optimally on good tracks.
“It all depends on whether it rains or not before Tuesday, because he’s an absolute duffer on wet tracks,” Laxon explained.
“An inside barrier makes it easier. He can just jump out and smoke his pipe and conserve all his energy until the end and hope for a run through.
“Obviously he carries a lot more weight this time, but he’s as well as he’s ever been.”
No rainfall is predicted for Melbourne on Sunday, but forecasts indicate between 4-20mm for Monday, with a possibility of showers on raceday.
Those looking to back Knight’s Choice can explore the latest racing odds at leading Australian betting sites.