Instrumentalist earned a shot at this year's Caulfield Cup in winning the Mornington Cup.

The Chris Waller-trained European import Instrumentalist ($16) travelled well in seventh place, one off the rails, before improving wide with cover at the 600m.

He was under pressure from Craig Newitt rounding the home turn, but kept responding and came with a late bid in the centre of the track to grab a short neck win, putting up a strong staying performance.

Top weight (60kg) Travolta ($8) settled in a good spot, sixth on the rails. He got a split between runners shortly after straightening, challenged at the 100m and battled gamely for a very good second, also putting up a strong staying effort.

The outsider Macedonian ($101) was last to 600m and was hard-ridden nearing the turn. But he ran on surprising well in the closing stages, wide-out, for a close third.

Prince Of Penzance ($3 fav) enjoyed a good trip third on the rails to the turn, took the lead at the 150m and seemed to have every chance before finishing fourth, beaten three quarters of a length.

The second favourite ($4.40) Laidback Larry also had a good run, being fifth one off the rails but was under pressure from the 600m and disappointing in finishing (eight lengths) tenth, appearing tested by the 2400m distance.