Melbourne Cup winner Knight’s Choice is on the cusp of a return to racing after leaving co-trainer Sheila Laxon in shock following a barrier trial win.
In his first Victorian public appearance on Tuesday since defeating Warp Speed in last year’s Cup, Knight’s Choice hit the ground running to lead all the way in a 1300m heat at Bendigo under Lachlan King.
“He actually blew us away. He’s never won a trial in his life,” Laxon told RSN.
“I’m thinking, 'crikey, he might be on the improve … and we’re going to have a sensational season with him'.
“To do what he’s done today has made me very happy because I didn’t expect that at all.
“He’ll go straight to a mile in the next fortnight or so.”
The Makybe Diva Stakes, a Group 1 weight-for-age race over 1600m at Flemington on September 13, looms as a potential launch point towards the defence of Knight’s Choice’s Cup crown.
