Sheila Laxon is aiming for a return to the Flemington winner’s circle this Saturday, a feat she hasn’t achieved since the 2024 Melbourne Cup.
The Macedon Lodge trainer, along with partner John Symons, has three runners entered for Finals Day, seeking their first Flemington victory since Knight’s Choice’s significant win in the 2024 Melbourne Cup.
Star Of Macedon, a two-year-old Zoustar colt, is the current favourite for the $175,000 Listed Taj Rossi Series Final (1600m). Mission Of Love will compete in the $150,000 Banjo Paterson Series Final (2600m), and Nihancan is slated for the $200,000 Mahogany Series Final (2500m).
These races have been the principal winter targets for the trio, and Laxon is enthusiastic about their chances.
“I think we should have a good day,” Laxon, who also trained Ethereal to win the 2001 Melbourne Cup, commented.
“I think they can all run in the first three on what they’ve done at home, all going well in their races.”
While Mission Of Love is a $21 chance and Nihancan is at $41, Star Of Macedon is the most respected by the odds-makers, positioned as the favourite just ahead of Marwooba.
Star Of Macedon, despite not having won in three outings, has yet to miss a place. This includes an unlucky third over 1420m at Flemington on June 20, a race that saw several of Saturday’s rivals compete.
“He’s showing plenty of ability, it looks like the mile will suit him and there’s not a lot of options as far as stepping them out over ground with two-year-olds at the moment,” Laxon said.
“From what he’s done so far we’re quite confident that the mile suits and I’m sure he’ll be finishing on well.
“He’s just had bad draws and other things making it very difficult for him to actually win in his previous starts.
“We just need to see where he sits and then we can make a decision on what we’re going to do with him from thereon in.”
Looking ahead, Laxon hopes their planning will lead to a campaign targeting major races, including the $3 million Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) during the Melbourne Spring Carnival.
“Everything he’s done for us he shows a lot of tenacity and ability to do whatever we ask him to do,” he noted.
“Hopefully he’s as good as we think he is.”
Star Of Macedon will break from barrier seven in the eight-horse Taj Rossi Final, with Dylan Dunn, who has ridden him in all his starts, retaining the mount.
For those keen to wager, exploring the latest Australian betting sites can provide access to comprehensive racing odds.
