Sheila Laxon does not know what it is like to leave Melbourne Cup Day without Australia’s most famous sporting trophy and she’s hoping history repeats this Tuesday Flemington.
Laxon and her partner John Symons have Knight’s Choice chasing a second win in the 3200-metre Group 1.
Knight’s Choice caused one of the biggest upsets in the 165-year history of the race when he won as a $91 chance two years ago, 23 years after Laxon’s historic win with Ethereal.
They are the only two runners Laxon has had in the race.
Knight’s Choice was denied the chance to defend his crown last year when his spring ended early after an outbreak of strangles at Macedon Lodge, but he has enjoyed a trouble-free campaign this year and will take his place 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 of the prospect of going three-from-three.
“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, but Peter Pan – who won in 1932 and 1934 – is the only dual winner in non-consecutive years.
Knight’s Choice heads into this year’s race off a 14th placing in the Caulfield Cup, which is the identical position he occupied in the same race two years ago.
Unlike 2024, Knight’s Choice did not progress to the Bendigo Cup this year, but was an unlucky third in the Group 2 Herbert Power Stakes (2400m) the start prior, which backs up Laxon’s belief he is going better than two years ago.
“I really do think he’s going better than he’s ever been going,” Laxon said.
“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 Cup-winning rider Robbie Dolan on Tuesday, drew well in barrier two, which Laxon was eager to see given he has 5kg more than he carried to victory, but she said the weather was the most decisive factor in his chances.
The seven-year-old son of Extreme Choice needs Good tracks to show his best.
“It all depends on whether it rains or not before Tuesday, because he’s an absolute duffer on wet tracks,” Laxon said.
“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 expected in Melbourne on Sunday, but anywhere between 4-20mm is on the forecast for Monday with a chance of showers on raceday.
