In-form galloper Banana Man has been well backed to land his third country Cup for the season in the Mornington Cup on Wednesday.The Mick Kent-trained five-year-old attracted bets of $5,000 at $3.80 and $3,000 at $3.60, forcing his price in to $3.40 favouritism for the Listed $200,000 2400m event in TAB Sportsbets's fixed odds market.The Desert King five-year-old has won three of his last four starts, scoring a narrow victory over Imvula in the Bendigo Cup (2400m) on November 12 before backing u

In-form galloper Banana Man has been well backed to land his third country Cup for the season in the Mornington Cup on Wednesday.

The Mick Kent-trained five-year-old attracted bets of $5,000 at $3.80 and $3,000 at $3.60, forcing his price in to $3.40 favouritism for the Listed $200,000 2400m event in TAB Sportsbets's fixed odds market.

The Desert King five-year-old has won three of his last four starts, scoring a narrow victory over Imvula in the Bendigo Cup (2400m) on November 12 before backing up a week later and finishing third to Daka's Gem in the Ballarat Cup (2200m) on a heavy track.

Banana Man had a 10-week break before carrying 58kg to a 3-1/4 length victory over subsequent Hobart Cup winner Gotta Keep Cool over 2000m at Caulfield on January 26.

At his latest outing he shouldered 60.5kg to win the Colac Gold Cup (2000m) on February 8.

Kent said he targeted the Mornington Cup with Banana Man because the club increased the distance by 400m this year and is using the race as a lead-up to either the Group One Auckland Cup (3200m) at Ellerslie on March 4 or the Group Two Adelaide Cup (3200m) at Morphettville on March 9.

Banana Man, to be ridden by Brad Rawiller, is topweight with 58.5kg and drew barrier 12 in the 14-horse field.

If the two emergencies don't gain a start he will jump from barrier 10.

Also using the event as a possible springboard to the Auckland Cup is the Patrick Payne-trained Capecover who is second topweight with 58kg.

The Group Three Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2500m) winner at Flemington last spring will jump from the outside barrier and will be ridden by Michelle Payne.

Last-start Flemington 2600m winner Ladies In Luck is second pick in the betting at $6.50 with Capecover and Sooze at $8 and Courtney at $11.

Mornington trainer Pat Carey and jockey Mark Pegus, who won the race last year with Attrition, combine with Courtney this time.

Cocinero, Northern Point and Viking Turf Belle share top billing at $5 for the other feature event on the program, the Listed Hareeba Stakes (1200m).

Northern Point, prepared by Gary Mallinson at Cranbourne, firmed from $6 after a bet of $3,000, while there has also been good support for Tetsu Gama ($7) and Bond Street ($7.50) with Sharkbite ($8.50) next best.