The Melbourne Cup never takes a break. We’ve already had the news that Nine is favourite for the TV rights.
We may know what free-to-air channel we get to watch the Melbourne Cup live on, while now there is another new long-range contender in the shape of Knights Choice.
Domben Winner Just Getting Started
As a four-year-old, foaled in September 2019, Knights Choice has plenty more to offer. He won a handicap over 2000 metres on Saturday at Doomben and he’s got tongues wagging.
It was the style in which he won which was outstanding. John and Sheila Laxon’s runner has opened up a number of future options, one of which could even be the Melbourne Cup.
The idea of a Cup campaign was teased over the weekend by the training partnership. The hint was given that, if this horse could be so impressive over 2000m, imagine what they’d do over 3200m. It’s an intriguing thought.
Cup Winner Laxon Always Had Cup in Mind
Sheila Laxon is in a unique position in order to know what it takes to win the Melbourne Cup. She trained Ethereal to a memorable Caulfield Cup-Melbourne Cup double in 2001.
Now, it seems she has always had the Cup as a long-term target for Knights Choice. He moved up in trip from 1350 metres to 1600 when landing a four-timer. The highlight of that sequence was his winning run in the Winx Guineas (Group 3).
Knights Choice has also successfully raced in Sydney, coming through some tough luck in running.
Choice’s Excellent Turn of Foot
Many, many horses will win handicaps over the next few months. Not all will be considered Melbourne Cup contenders with a rating of 88. It was the acceleration shown by Knights Choice at Doomben however which set him apart.
That same turn of foot was displayed in the Winx Guineas. This time however, he showed it over 1650 metres for the first time and may be even more capable over further.
His propensity to show a burst of speed means better things are on the horizon. Just where the team will go however is still open to debate it seems.
Jaden Lloyd was charged with the responsibility of riding Knights Choice for what turned out to be a fifth win in twelve career runs. For the jockey, it was particularly delightful.
Many watchers felt that the gelding should have won the Mooloolaba Cup too. His barrier draw in 1 didn’t help on that occasion.
When taken to the outside under Lloyd at Doomben however, his acceleration was outstanding and enabled him to show exactly what he can do over 2000 metres+.
Having travelled strongly, Lloyd asked Knights Choice for a little more 600m from home. The response was instant. It will now be very interesting to see him move up in distance a little further with the 2024 Melbourne Cup in mind.
