Mornington Cup – 2021

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

Twelve stayers have accepted for the $350,000 Mornington Cup – San Huberto is an early scratching.  Four of these come through the Group 1 Australian Cup run at Flemington a fortnight ago while two others had their last run in the Randwick City Stakes.  Chris Waller is the only trainer with multiple runners.

The early favourite is Mount Popa.  He won his last start at Randwick by .8 of a length and boasts a strong international record over the 2400m.  William Pike is booked to ride him.  The second favourite, Irish Flame, is on the quick back following a narrow second at Moonee Valley last week.  He is fit and racing well.  Defibrillate doesn’t know how to run a bad race – he was good when finishing sixth in the Australian Cup.

Chapada will be fitter for two runs back and wasn’t disgraced in last years Caulfield Cup.  Nonconformist is trying 2400m for the first time.  Lord Belvedere is the only horse in the race first up – he is trained by one of Victoria’s leading stables – Maher & Eustace.  Yonkers won a benchmark race in Sydney last start while Aussie Nugget ran third in the Canberra Cup.  The remaining runners are longer than $20-1.

1. San Huberto – SCRATCHED

2. Chapada

Tempo against first up, then ran third in the Australian Cup.  Looks set to peak here third up.  A major player.

3. Defibrillate

Consistent gelding who acquitted himself well trying Group 1 level for the first time in the Australian Cup.  This is his first attempt at 2400m but he has given no indication that he won’t get the trip and he is a son of a Melbourne Cup winner.  Drawn well – major player.

4. Irish Flame

On the quick back up after being nosed out by Persan at Moonee Valley last week.  Fitness won’t be an issue and he gets to race on his home track for the first time.

5. Lord Belvedere

Resumes.  He won 3 in a row at Flemington during the winter.  He has jumped out well and I like that he gets the Synthetic Hoof Filler off for the first time – this suggests the stable are on top of any feet issues he may have had.  Can play a role.

6. Nonconformist

Not beaten far in his first two runs back from a spell, then disappointed in the Australian Cup finishing 6 lengths from the winner.  If you can forgive that run then he is a place chance here.

7. Mount Popa

Travelled strongly and only just missed first up, then powered clear to win the Randwick City Cup last time.  Is yet to miss a place in 5 attempts at 2400m and gets Pike.  A major player.

8. The Lord Mayor

Has been there abouts in all three runs this preparation.  He is drawn well and is a place chance.

9. Glass Warrior

Won the Launceston Cup last start which is run at Group 3 level.   Prior to that he finished midfield in the Hobart Cup.  Not out of this.

10. Yonkers

The second of the Chris Waller runners.  He won a benchmark 88 at Randwick last start and is proven at the distance.  In the mix.

11. Aussie Nugget

Fit and racing well.  He came from a long way back to run into the placings in the Canberra Cup.  May need some luck from barrier 1.

12. Skelm

Rounded them up to win convincingly in the Stony Creek last time out.  This is harder.

The following are the top 4 selections for this years race.

Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
7. Mount Popa	2. Chapada
3. Defibrillate	7. Mount Popa
2. Chapada	3. Defibrillate
4. Irish Flame	4. Irish Flame

Group 1 William Reid Stakes 2021 (Moonee Valley 1200m) – Friday

Group 1 Golden Slipper 2021 (Rosehill 1200m)