Mornington Cup – 2023

Track: Fine Weather: Good

A strong field has been assembled for this years Mornington Cup.  Hezashocka looks ready to win and has come up favourite in the early betting with Blake Shinn taking over the steering duties.  Nonconformist, a good winner of the Blamey first up is second pick in the market.  The 2019 Melbourne Cup winner Vow And Declare and the inform Right You Are are the other runners under $10-1 however the chances don’t end there.

1. Vow And Declare

2019 Melbourne Cup winner.  He’s been very consistent all prep and was very good through the line last start in the Tancred.  Expect him to settle on speed here and be in this for a long way.

2. Camorra

Hasn’t fired in his two Australian runs but a firmer surface may help him here.

3. Nonconformist

Was an impressive winner of the Blamey Stakes first up.  We were keen on him in the Group 1 Australian Cup last start but he was disappointing there after getting the right run in transit.  Has had a good tick over jump out since and can bounce back here.

4. Gear Up

He was safely held last start in the Queen Elizabeth but his run prior was solid and his overseas form reads well.  Maps for a good run.  Wouldn’t shock.

5. Hezashocka

Ran well in the Australian Cup and was building very nicely through the line in the Queen Elizabeth last start.  Not too worried about the gate with Blake Shinn going on.  He looks the one to beat.

6. Right You Are

Has put together a super campaign.  5 wins and a second from his last six starts.  Has to do it at 2400m now.

7. Fancy Man

Import trained by Annabel Neasham.  I thought his run first up at Rosehill was pretty good.  He just didn’t settle last time.  One that could improve sharply at a price.

8. Aurora’s Symphony

Not here.

9. Benaud

Down from Sydney.  Is talented but just doesn’t win.  Place claims.

10. Rebel Racer

Won the Adelaide Cup last start.  This is a step up but he does get the advantage of racing on his home track.

11. Swords Dawn

Was a solid third in the Roy Higgins behind one of the Melbourne Cup favourites.  Is drawn to do no work and looks a place chance.

12. Port Phillip

Improving stayer who was good winning the Yarra Valley Cup last start.  Rough each way hope.

13. Herman Hesse

Was third in the Yarra Valley Cup last start.  Surprised he is shorter than Port Phillip in the betting.

14. Yaphet

Didn’t come on in the Australian Cup last start.  I don’t think he’s good enough against this company.

15e. Caboche – 1st Emergency

Not here.

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

Lewis Oliver’s Tips	Jo Jackson’s Tips
5 Hezashocka	6 Right You Are
1 Vow And Declare	3 Nonconformist
3 Nonconformist	5 Hezashocka
7 Fancy Man	1 Vow And Declare