Sheila Laxon has never finished a Melbourne Cup Day without claiming Australia’s most famous sporting prize, and she’s hoping history repeats itself this Tuesday at Flemington.
Laxon and her partner John Symons have Knight’s Choice contesting the 3200-metre Group 1 event, aiming for a second victory.
Knight’s Choice was responsible for one of the biggest upsets in the 165-year history of the race when he won at $91 two years ago, 23 years after Laxon’s memorable triumph with Ethereal.
These two horses are the only runners Laxon has ever had in the Melbourne Cup.
Last year, Knight’s Choice was denied the opportunity to defend his title when his spring campaign was prematurely halted by a strangles outbreak at Macedon Lodge. However, he has enjoyed an uninterrupted preparation this year and will participate again on Tuesday.
“It’s a bit scary, isn’t it? It’d be 10 million-to-one that you could get that result,” Laxon said when asked about the prospect of achieving 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.”
Only five horses have won the Melbourne Cup more than once; Peter Pan, who won in 1932 and 1934, is the sole dual winner in non-consecutive years.
Knight’s Choice heads into this year’s race off the back of a 14th-place finish in the Caulfield Cup, the identical position he held in the same race two years ago.
Unlike in 2024, Knight’s Choice did not proceed to the Bendigo Cup this year. However, an unlucky third in the Group 2 Herbert Power Stakes (2400m) at his start prior bolsters Laxon’s assertion that he 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 partnered by Cup-winning rider Robbie Dolan again on Tuesday, drew barrier two. Laxon was keen to see this draw, especially considering he carries 5kg more than he did when he won, but she indicated that the weather would be the most decisive factor in his chances.
The seven-year-old son of Extreme Choice requires good tracks to perform at his best.
“It all depends on whether it rains or not before Tuesday, because he’s an absolute duffer on wet tracks,” Laxon commented.
“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 rain is forecast for Melbourne on Sunday, but there’s a possibility of showers and 4-20mm of rain on Monday.
Consider placing a bet on Knight’s Choice using Australian betting sites.