It has been almost two years since Knight’s Choice last raced at Flemington, but the gelding is scheduled to make his return to the track that propelled him to fame this weekend.
The surprise winner of the 2024 Melbourne Cup is continuing his pursuit of another victory in Australia’s most iconic race, participating in Saturday’s $300,000 Group 2 The Bart Cummings (2520m).
Knight’s Choice did not race again throughout the 2024/25 season following his Melbourne Cup win. His defence of the Cup last spring was thwarted after only one start, a sixth placing in the So You Think Stakes at Moonee Valley, and he competed exclusively in Queensland towards the end of the last season.
The Extreme Choice gelding’s performances in his two starts this campaign have been a 12th in the Heatherlie Stakes (1700m) and a ninth in the Naturalism Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield. The return to Flemington is sure 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 said.
“It’s a big ask for him on Saturday, but you have your dreams and we’ve got another one with him.”
Laxon may find herself even more enthusiastic about the seven-year-old’s comeback to Headquarters with the improved weather forecast for Melbourne this week. Up to 25mm of rain is predicted for Thursday, with potentially 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 commented.
“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 conditions that were not ideal last start in the Naturalism Stakes, where he was unable to be fully extended and was racing in restricted space for much of the event, 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, will carry 60kg in The Bart Cummings. A number of his rivals are also aiming for the ballot exemption that guarantees a start in the major ‘two-miler’ on the first Tuesday in November. Check out the latest racing odds for this exciting race.