A field full of depth is engaged for Saturday’s 2017 Ladbrokes Mornington Cup, offering a Caulfield Cup ballot exemption to the winner, and our insider tips plus the latest odds on the clash are detailed below.

First emergency Settler’s Stone has gained a start in this year’s $300,000 Listed Ladbrokes Mornington Cup (2400m) after the early scratching of the Robert Hickmott-trained Assign.

Heading the updated Ladbrokes Mornington Cup odds at Ladbrokes.com.au paying a short $2.50 is the Charlie Appleby-trained European raider The Gold Trail.

This Teofilo stallion has been in flying form overseas including a recent 2414m win in Dubai carrying 58.5kg in late January.

Appleby and the Godolphin stable dominated the spring with all their stayers and this galloper looks a genuine hope in this and for the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) during the spring.

Out to stop the visitor and keep the Ladbrokes Mornington Cup trophy on home soil are some in-form stayers including last start Canberra Cup winner Dark Eyes ($8.50) stepping out over the mile and a half for the first time and market mover Boom Time ($8.50) for Lindsay Park.

So will The Gold Trail get the job done for the Ladbrokes Mornington Cup punters or does the value lie further down the markets in the likes of the Darren Weir-trained Goldstream ($13) or Cranbourne galloper Adirondack ($21) getting in on the 54kg light weight?

1^st

#6 Boom Time ($8.50)

There’s money coming for the well-ed Boom Time and happy to tip the upset and follow the money trail on this Flying Spur stallion. He beat Goldstream home at Caulfield in a Ladbrokes Blue Diamond Stakes Day black-type over 2000m before going up in class for the Australian Cup (2000m. Was far from disgraced running sixth to Humidor, has winning form up to 2500m so will relish the extra distance in easier company here and is back from 59kg at WFA to 57.5kg.

2^nd

#3 The Gold Trail ($2.50)

Big hype on Appleby’s raider and if he shows up like he is priced to do, the import is the one to stop. Everything Godolphin brought over last season was very competitive suggesting this horse is here to do the same. Carries 58.5kg, which is what he had on his back for the 2414m win in Dubai last time out, handles the distance and carted 62.5kg for a five length win over the mile and a half before that in September.

3^rd

#10 Vengeur Masque ($18)

Plenty of livewire place chances at juicy odds including this Michael Moroney-trained son of Monsun. Last November was runner-up over 2600m at Flemington after the Caulfield Cup eighth, has form around Boom Time, proven at the distance and is still lightly-raced. Also well-weighted come off a Ladbrokes Stony Creek Cup fourth, beaten only a length carrying 59.5kg, so will enjoy the drop back to the 54kg minimum here.

Back our exclusive Ladbrokes Mornington Cup 2017 tips online at the race sponsor Ladbrokes.com.au now enjoying the best autumn racing odds and offers throughout the carnival.