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| Staff Writer |
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Knight's Choice, trained by the partnership of Sheila Laxon and John Symons, is primed for a Melbourne Cup title defence in 2025, shunning the European circuit including the Gr.1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
The race, steeped in history, has seen notable dual winners including Think Big (1974-75) and Makybe Diva's historic hat-trick (2003-05).
The gelding's route mirrors that of Ethereal, Laxon's 2001 Melbourne Cup victor, targeting the Gr.1 Tancred Stakes at Rosehill this March. The Queensland winter carnival's Gr.2 Q22 follows, before the prestigious Caulfield and Melbourne Cup double.
"The Melbourne Cup is the most sensible road to take," Laxon explains. "If we stay in Australia, we've got other options if there's a wet track."
Currently enjoying a well-earned break after his career-defining triumph, Knight's Choice is maintaining light exercise before resuming serious preparation.
Reminiscing about their recent Cup success, Laxon remains incredulous: "Everything went according to plan, which seldom happens in racing."
The training partnership's decision emphasises track adaptability over international acclaim, keeping their stable star on home soil for the foreseeable future.