Racing: Weir hopes to lift Mornington booty

A victory would secure Prince Of Penance an automatic entry into this year's Caulfield Cup. Photo / Thinkstock

Mornington has not been a happy hunting ground for Darren Weir but the trainer is looking to talented stayer Prince Of Penzance to change that today.

Prince Of Penzance is favourite to win the A$350,000 Mornington Cup in his first test at 2400m.

A victory would secure him an automatic entry into this year's Caulfield Cup.

Weir, Victoria's premiership-leading trainer, says Mornington has not been a track where he has enjoyed much success.

The trainer has had one winner from 16 starters there this season.

"I just don't have any luck there. My horses don't go any good there for some reason. Hopefully, he can change that tomorrow," Weir said yesterday.

Prince Of Penzance scored a convincing win in the Listed Mornington Cup Prelude (2000m) at Caulfield last start and Weir said the gelding was in really good order.

He expects the rise in distance not to pose a problem for the 4-year-old son of Pentire.

"He was strong through the line last start but until you run it you don't really know," Weir said.

"My gut feeling is it won't be a problem."

Prince Of Penzance is the $3 favourite in the field of 12 with the Gai Waterhouse-trained duo of Travolta and Laidback Larry sharing the second line of betting at $4.80.

While the Caulfield Cup ballot exemption to the Mornington Cup winner would be an added bonus if Prince Of Penzance was successful, Weir said that wasn't his focus.

- AAP