The 2024 Melbourne Cup winner Knight’s Choice heads back to Flemington for the Group 2 Bart Cummings as part of his campaign toward the 2026 Melbourne Cup. Trainer Sheila Laxon outlines the horse’s recent form, track preferences, weight situation and how weather could affect his chances.
Knight’s Choice makes his first Flemington start in almost two years in the Group 2 Bart Cummings (2520m) as part of his Melbourne Cup campaign.
Recent runs include 12th in the Heatherlie Stakes and a fittening ninth in the Naturalism Stakes where restricted room likely cost him ground.
Knight's Choice, the surprise winner of the 2024 Melbourne Cup, returns to Flemington for the first time in almost two years to contest the Group 2 Bart Cummings (2520m). The run at Flemington is part of his campaign toward another Melbourne Cup attempt.
Knight's Choice is an Extreme Choice gelding who prefers firmer tracks. Laxon stated he "likes a Good 3. He really relishes it," and warned that wet conditions blunt his long stride: "as soon as he gets his toe on the ground he doesn't use his great stride like he does on a firm track." Forecast rain for Melbourne—up to 25mm on Thursday, up to 20mm on Friday, plus showers on raceday—could reduce his effectiveness if the track becomes soft.
In the Bart Cummings, Knight's Choice carries 60kg. He is seeking the Bart Cummings' ballot exemption, which would secure a place in the Melbourne Cup field. The article notes his Melbourne Cup weight is indicated at 56.5kg for this year's Cup.
Laxon and training partner John Symons say returning to Flemington is meaningful because that is where Knight's Choice became well known. Laxon called it "fantastic to get him back there" and framed the run as part of the mileage needed to prepare for another Melbourne Cup. She also acknowledged it will be "a big ask" to win the Bart Cummings but described having "another one" of those dreams with him.
Knight's Choice is back at the track that made him famous with clear preferences and goals. The Bart Cummings will test his form and firmness preference, and weather and draw will be major influencers on how competitive he can be on the day.
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