Walter McShane-trained Tasmanian galloper Norsqui assured himself a place in this year’s BMW Caulfield Cup by streaking to victory in the Listed $300,000 Centrebet Mornington Cup (2400m) today.

Connections contradicted the popular modern trend of Victorian horses raiding Tasmania’s February cups by bringing Norsqui north, with the lure of a considerably greater purse and Caulfield Cup ballot exemption simply too strong.

Norsqui was far too strong in Victoria’s richest country cup, running out a two-and-a-half length winner over Drunken Sailor, with Sea Galleon a further three-quarters of a length back in third.

In the day’s earlier features, well-tried filly Snitzerland vindicated the plunge on her to romp away with the $250,000 Inglis Premier, while Like An Eagle overcame a pre-race mishap in the barrier stalls to finish too strongly for Eight Bills in the Listed $100,000 Bayside Jeep Hareeba Stakes (1200m).

Tenno rounded out the feature events by taking out the $50,000 Mitavite Summer Challenge Final.  The horse had already bolted in the series, however, with Vindication clinching the title prior to the final and thus landing Brett Scott $5,000 in Mitavite feed and apparel.

But Norsqui’s victory was the on-track highlight of a day that saw almost 9.000 patrons revel in the warm conditions, celebrating the Peninsula’s hallmark race day in a festive manner.

This included the hotly-contested Mornington BMW Fashions on the Field where in excess of $70,000 in prizes was awarded across four categories.

Winners included Melissa Buchanan (Stylish Ladies 18-39), Lisa Wilson (Stylish Ladies 40+), Josh Collins (Stylish Gentlemen) and Breanne Fanning (Marvellous Millinery).