Bankers Choice targets repeat Mornington Cup glory

This Saturday, Bankers Choice pursues a historic feat by entering the Mornington Cup, with hopes of joining the elite as merely the second equine victor of consecutive editions in the 2400m Listed event.

The veteran eight-year-old nosed ahead in an exhilarating climax to take last year's renewal, under the guidance of Glen Thompson post the demise of Mike Moroney.

Shifted to Ben, Will and JD Hayes' Lindsay Park operation, the gelding by Mongolian Khan resumes strongly, earning a minor placing in the Group 2 Peter Young Stakes (1800m) on return prior to a brave eighth in the Group 3 Easter Cup (2000m).

He should encounter various opponents from that Easter Cup clash, like Ambassadorial, yet the yard remains upbeat that the longer test suits him ideally.

“Bankers Choice is the one that will head to the Mornington Cup,” Will Hayes said.

“He's going to go for a course proper gallop on Monday to have a look around and hopefully defend his title.

“He ran terrifically in the Peter Young first-up, he was only three lengths off them in the Easter Cup and he looks really good.”

Even with another probable top weight, Hayes views that as less crucial than the gelding's demonstrated stamina prowess.

“Hopefully someone can throw an out-of-form import with a high rating into the noms that can get us down,” Hayes said.

“But he deserves the rating that he has, he does carry weight well.”

“He'll eat up 2400 metres. He's as fit as a mallee bull, and a seasoned old gelding like him, it's right up his alley.”

Armed with sharp fitness and reverting to his favoured route, Bankers Choice is well-positioned to launch a credible title protection effort.

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