Talented Tasmanian stayer Banca Mo returned to winning form with a tough staying effort in the 2015 Mornington Cup this afternoon.
Banca Mo outstayed his rivals in the 2015 Mornington Cup this afternoon. Photo by: Adrienne Bicknell
Banca Mo had not recorded a race win since he took out the 2013 edition of the Listed Warrnambool Cup (2350m) in dominant fashion, but he was one of the most consistent performers during the Summer Carnival in Tasmania and he was only narrowly denied in races like the Listed Tasmanian Stakes (1600m), Group 3 Hobart Cup (2400m) and Group 3 Launceston Cup (2400m).
Trainer Scott Brunton said after the race that Banca Mo was deserving of his Mornington Cup victory after having no luck in Tasmania and the emotional trainer was clearly thrilled to see his star galloper return to winning form.
“It is a huge thrill,” Brunton said
The horse was going to be a superstar , but then he got struck down.
“He had no luck down in Tassie, but he got some retribution today.
“It is just brilliant, absolutely brilliant.”
Jockey Dean Holland was happy to ride Banca Mo aggressively in the early stages of the 2015 Mornington Cup and he managed to settle the Tough Speed gelding in a lovely position in the first half of the field.
Tony McEvoy-trained Big Memory was well-backed in the lead-up to the Mornington Cup and he looked like the winner at the 200 meter mark, but Banca Mo was able to outstay his rival and earn a ballot-exempt entry into the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m).
Holland was quick to pay credit to the toughness that was shown by Banca Mo in the Mornington Cup and he is hopeful that the Tasmanian galloper can deliver him a maiden ride in races like the Caulfield Cup and Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m).
“He is a very tough horse,” Holland said.
“He got a tough run, but that didn’t matter
“I still had plenty of horse coming into the turn and the other horse can’t up next to me, but he was too tough.
“He just kept extending on that and it was a good effort.
“He is a very nice horse and that showed today.
“I’ve always wanted to ride in the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup and this might be my opportunity.”
Akzar started the Mornington Cup as favourite and he looked like a genuine winning chance at the top of the straight, but was unable to hit the line strongly and finished fifth.
