Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Star Of Macedon will headline Sheila Laxon’s Flemington Finals Day team on Saturday as the Melbourne Cup-winning trainer chases her first win at the track since Knight’s Choice’s 2024 Melbourne Cup triumph.
Laxon, who trains from Macedon Lodge with John Symons, has three runners entered across the card. Star Of Macedon lines up in the $175,000 Listed Taj Rossi Series Final, Mission Of Love runs in the $150,000 Banjo Paterson Series Final, and Nihancan contests the $200,000 Mahogany Series Final.
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Laxon Eyes Strong Flemington Return
“I think we should have a good day,” Laxon, who also trained Ethereal to win the 2001 Melbourne Cup, commented.
“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 is the most fancied of the trio and sits near the top of betting for the Taj Rossi Series Final over 1600m. Mission Of Love is rated a $21 chance, while Nihancan is listed at $41.
Star Colt Draws Attention
The two-year-old Zoustar colt is yet to win from three starts, but he has not missed a place. His latest effort was an unlucky third over 1420m at Flemington on June 20 against several of the same rivals.
“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 said.
“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.”
Spring Hopes In View
A strong run could put Star Of Macedon on a path toward the $3 million Group 1 Caulfield Guineas during the Melbourne Spring Carnival.
“Hopefully he’s as good as we think he is.”