Trainer Darren Weir believes that there will be no excuses for progressive stayer Prince Of Penzance if he does not win the 2014 Mornington Cup at the Mornington Racecourse tomorrow.
Prince Of Penzance will be stepping up to 2400 metres for the first time in his racing career in the Mornington Cup tomorrow. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia
Prince Of Penzance has performed well throughout his summer preparation and stamped himself as the favourite for the Mornington Cup with his impressive win over a strong field in the Listed Mornington Cup Prelude (2000m) at Caulfield on February 1.
Weir told RSN this morning that Prince Of Penzance had come out of the win in excellent condition and he is confident that the Pentire gelding is ready to perform well in the Listed event tomorrow.
“He has come through his run at Caulfield really well and he looks in good order,” Weir said.
“He had a good strong gallop on Saturday morning and worked well.
“He has drawn good and this is sort of the race that we have aimed at, either this or Launceston, so I think he is going to get there in good order.
“We have been happy with him all the way through and he has taken the right steps and got the right benefit out of each run.
“Tomorrow is the big test, but I am really looking forward to it.”
Prince Of Penzance will be stepping up to 2400 metres for the first time in his racing career tomorrow, but Weir believes that, based on the four-year-olds performance in the Mornington Cup Prelude, the extra 400 metres will not be a problem for the tough gelding; with the Melbourne Trainers Premiership leader just hoping that his hope receives a trouble free run into the race from barrier three.
“I don’t think that the mile and a half will be a trouble for him and he has drawn a good gate, so there will be no excuses,” Weir said.
“Hopefully he can get a good run throughout and if he is good enough he will be there.”
Prince Of Penzance is currently a clear favourite in 2014 Mornington Cup betting markets, but there has also been support for the Gai Waterhouse-trained duo of Laidback Larry ($4.80) and Travolta ($5) as well as imported stayer He’s Your Man ($8) and Robert Smerdon-trained Cooldini ($8).
The winner of the 2014 Mornington Cup will receive ballot exempt entry into the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m), which is now worth a total of $3 million in prizemoney.
