Mornington has not been a happy hunting ground for Darren Weir but the trainer is looking to talented stayer Prince Of Penzance to change that on Wednesday.

Prince Of Penzance is favourite to win the $350,000 Mornington Cup in his first test at 2400m.

A victory would secure him an automatic entry into this year’s Caulfield Cup.

The Mornington Cup and Launceston Cups were being considered for Prince Of Penzance and Weir said a good barrier draw in gate three made the decision to head to Mornington an easier one.

But Weir, Victoria’s premiership-leading trainer, says Mornington has not been a track where he has enjoyed a lot of success in the past.

The trainer has had one winner from 16 starters there this season.

“I just don’t have any luck there. My horses don’t go any good there for some reason. Hopefully he can change that tomorrow,” Weir said.

Prince Of Penzance scored a convincing win in the Listed Mornington Cup Prelude (2000m) at Caulfield last start and Weir said the gelding was in really good order for Wednesday’s race.

He expects the rise in distance not to pose a problem for the four-year-old son of Pentire.

“He was strong through the line last start but until you run it you don’t really know,” Weir said.

“My gut feeling is it won’t be a problem.”

Prince Of Penzance is the $3 favourite in the field of 12 with the Gai Waterhouse-trained duo of Travolta and Laidback Larry sharing the second line of betting at $4.80.

While the Caulfield Cup ballot exemption to the Mornington Cup winner would be an added bonus if Prince Of Penzance was successful, Weir said that wasn’t his focus.

“I’m just worried about trying to get him to run as well as he can at Mornington tomorrow,” he said.

The support races at the Cup meeting includes the Listed Hareeba Stakes (1200m) and the $250,000 Inglis Premier for two-year-olds.

Last-start Listed Canterbury Classic winner Knoydart is shading Group Two Australia Stakes winner Richie’s Vibe for favouritism in the Hareeba.