Darren Weir will decide between the Mornington and Launceston Cups for promising stayer Prince Of Penzance after his strong win at Caulfield on Saturday.
The four-year-old gelding was sent out a $4.80 chance in the Listed Mornington Cup Prelude (2000m) and, after settling midfield on the fence, sprinted strongly when a gap appeared in the straight to defeat Oregon Spirit ($26) by three-quarters of a length with 1-1/4-lengths to Extra Zero third.
Prince of Penzance, Michelle Payne - Photo by Sharon Chapman
Favourite Laidback Larry ($1.90) led the field before battling on for fifth.
Weir said both the Mornington Cup and Launceston Cups would be considered for Prince Of Penzance.
The winner of the $350,000 Mornington Cup earns an automatic entry to the Caulfield Cup in the spring.
“He came into work aiming towards the Mornington Cup,” Weir said.
“It was either go there or to the Launceston Cup. Either one of those two we’ll head to now.”
The Mornington Cup (2400m) is on February 12 while the Launceston Cup (2400m) is on February 26.
Prince Of Penzance brought up a winning double for premiership-leading trainer Weir after Five All won by a short half-head in the Ian Miller Handicap (1600m).
