Sheila Laxon aims for Flemington success with strong team

Trainer Sheila Laxon is optimistic about breaking her Flemington drought this Saturday, having not visited the winner's circle there since the 2024 Melbourne Cup.

She and her partner John Symons, of Macedon Lodge, have prepared three runners for Finals Day, hoping to secure their first Flemington triumph since Knight's Choice's notable victory in the 2024 Melbourne Cup.

The stable's hopefuls include Star Of Macedon, who is the favourite for the $175,000 Listed Taj Rossi Series Final over 1600 metres. Mission Of Love will contest the $150,000 Banjo Paterson Series Final (2600m), and Nihancan is set for the $200,000 Mahogany Series Final (2500m).

These designated races have served as the winter campaign's primary targets for each horse, and Laxon is eagerly anticipating their performances.

"I think we should have a good day," Laxon, a Melbourne Cup-winning trainer with Ethereal in 2001, stated.

"I think they can all run in the first three on what they've done at home, all going well in their races."

Star Of Macedon, a two-year-old Zoustar colt, is the market elect, marginally ahead of Marwooba. Mission Of Love is currently available at $21, with Nihancan at $41.

In three starts, Star Of Macedon is yet to win but has not finished outside the placings. This includes a luckless third over 1420 metres at Flemington on June 20, a race that included several of his upcoming competitors.

"He's showing plenty of ability, it looks like the mile will suit him and there's not a lot of options as far as stepping them out over ground with two-year-olds at the moment," Laxon explained.

"From what he's done so far we're quite confident that the mile suits and I'm sure he'll be finishing on well.

"He's just had bad draws and other things making it very difficult for him to actually win in his previous starts.

"We just need to see where he sits and then we can make a decision on what we're going to do with him from thereon in."

Laxon hopes their meticulous planning will lead to a campaign targeting major events, such as the $3 million Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) during the Melbourne Spring Carnival.

"Everything he's done for us he shows a lot of tenacity and ability to do whatever we ask him to do," he remarked.

"Hopefully he's as good as we think he is."

The Taj Rossi Final, an eight-horse affair, will see Star Of Macedon start from barrier seven. Dylan Dunn, who has partnered the colt in all his prior races, will continue his association.

Consider checking out leading online bookmakers for the best betting markets for the race.