Knight's Choice trainer John Symons admits he was 'worried' before horse's stunning burst to win the Melbourne Cup
Until 200 metres out from the line, Knight's Choice never looked like winning the Melbourne Cup.
Out of the gates the gelding sat at the back of the pack in 14th and by the time the horses arrived at the straight, he was 20th.
But then jockey Robbie Dolan went to work. At the 400m mark, the charge began and 200 metres later, it was on for all money. The five-year-old found a hole, went past Zardozi on the outside and held off Warp Speed to win.
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Knight's Choice sat 20th at the turn into the straight. Nine
Post-race, trainer John Symons admitted the position of his horse at the straight wasn't planned.
"What a great ride by Robbie, he stayed in, took the risk, went through the pack," he told Nine.
"I was worried, he got further back then we talked about but great ride, what a thrill."
Dolan explained it "panned out exactly how I thought it would" before admitting he was a few places further back than he'd planned.
"They went quick and I decided to ride him for luck, because I know he's got a good turn of foot. What a training performance," he said.
Retired Melbourne Cup winning jockey Michelle Payne was shocked by the gelding's ability to stay in the hunt towards the end.
"I couldn't have seen Knight's Choice coming from a mile away," she said.
"He's such a sprinting bred galloper but it's just remarkable and I think that's what makes our race so great."