Laidback Larry disappointed punters at Caulfield last start but looks a strong chance to bounce back in the Listed Mornington Cup (2400m) today.
The Gai Waterhouse-trained runner put three wins together at the start of the preparation, by big margins before stepping up in class and running fifth in the Listed Mornington Cup Prelude (2000m) last time out.
Laidback Larry still returned a strong rating on that occasion, the second highest of his career and recent form points to him holding strong claims here.
Down in the weights with 54kg, Damien Oliver stays on board and despite stepping up in trip where untried, the four-year-old gelding should see out the 2400m here.
From barrier seven, Laidback Larry will more than likely settle forward with Travolta, who has been racing well of late the likely leader.
With the winner of this race gaining a one way ticket into the Caulfield Cup later in the year, there is plenty at stake and Laidback Larry looks well placed to line up in the big race throughout the spring.
Prince Of Penzance comes into this full of confidence having taken out the Listed Mornington Cup Prelude last start, beating Laidback Larry by 2.7L on that occasion.
The Darren Weir-trained runner only goes up 1kg on the back of that effort and has produced strong runs in his last three outings.
His last start victory rates well on weight adjusted Timeform ratings and there is no reason he won’t be in the finish once again today.
Looks the hardest to beat for Laidback Larry along with He’s Your Man who put two placings together before running fourth in the prelude last start.
The Former European runner is yet to claim a win in Australia but has shown enough ability in three runs for Chris Waller and his best run which came at Newmarket over a similar rates well against these.
Has not drawn the best in barrier nine, but Craig Williams goes on board and up to 2400m today is sure to give these plenty to think about.
These three look the main chances however despite the big weight it’s hard to rule out the in form Travolta.
Won two of his last four outings, including the Listed Australia Day Cup and will give this a good site however the 60kg may prove too much for him at the business end of the race.
Oregon Spirit also rates a mention having run second behind Prince Of Penzance in the prelude last start and also claimed victory in the Lord Stakes here three back.
Must be respected and rounds out the main chances for the 2014 Listed Mornington Cup.
