It’s not by design that Knight’s Choice has not been back to Flemington in almost two years, but he will make his return to the track where he made himself a household name this weekend.
The shock winner of the 2024 Melbourne Cup continues his quest for another win in Australia’s most famous race in Saturday’s $300,000 Group 2 The Bart Cummings (2520m).
Knight’s Choice did not race again during the 2024/25 season after his Melbourne Cup win, his Cup defence was derailed last spring after just one run – a sixth placing in the So You Think Stakes at Moonee Valley – and he raced exclusively in Queensland at the end of last season.
The Extreme Choice gelding’s two runs this time in have been a 12th in the Heatherlie Stakes (1700m) and Naturalism Stakes (2000m) ninth at Caulfield and getting back to Flemington with him will 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 would be even more excited about the seven-year-old’s return to Headquarters with a more favourable weather outlook for Melbourne this week.
Up to 25mm of rain is forecast for Thursday, 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 said.
“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 got that last-start in the Naturalism Stakes, but was unable to be fully extended after racing in restricted room for much of the race, but was still 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 said.
“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 has 56.5kg in this year’s Melbourne Cup – has 60kg in The Bart Cummings, in which most of his rivals are also chasing the ballot exemption that guarantees the winner a start in the big ‘two-miler’ on the first Tuesday in November.
