Godolphin runner Tally has produced a perfectly timed performance to win the Listed Ladbrokes Mornington Cup (2400m) and subsequently gain ballot-free entry into this year’s Caulfield Cup.

Jumping from the gates only fairly, jockey Andrew Mallyon elected to settle Tally off the pace as Vengeur Masque, Big Memory and The Gold Trail set the pace past the post the first time.

Receiving a comfortable run in transit and settling into a good rhythm, Mallyon found a gap between runners rounding onto the final straight and asked Tally for an extra effort, who responded with a good kick to Vengeur Masque on pace.

Locking in a fierce sprint battle with 200m to run, Tally managed to pull a half-length into the green to record his sixth career win in the Ladbrokes Mornington Cup.

Godolphin’s Victorian foreman was on hand for Tally’s smart win in the Mornington Cup and was understandably pleased with the performance.

“He got a good run in behind them and is obviously a handy stayer,” he said.

“He placed at Group 1 level so this looked a really nice race for him. He was ridden beautifully, there was plenty of speed in the race and he’s finished off well to win.”

Mallyon delivered a smart performance aboard Tally to win the Ladbrokes Mornington Cup and was impressed by the gelding’s ability to recover after an awkward start.

“It went a little bit pair-shaped from the barriers, I just wanted to be a little bit closer and he didn’t jump particularly well,” Mallyon said.

“I was a bit hesitant because I didn’t want him to pull, but he relaxed nicely.

“I just tried to get on the backs of the right horses and everything towed me in, and he was really strong at the end.”

Tally is likely to be set for the 2017 Caulfield Cup upon resuming in spring; a race in which he tailed off to finish 12^th in 2016.

Race favourite The Gold Trail unfortunately broke down after crossing the line for fourth in the Mornington Cup and could not be saved. Jockey Craig Williams was transported to hospital, but was conscious.