Bankers Choice has earned a spot in the Caulfield Cup after a hard-fought victory in the Mornington Cup.

A ballot exemption for the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) was up for grabs in Saturday’s race, and Bankers Choice delivered a gutsy performance to secure the win for trainer Glen Thompson.

Ridden by Daniel Stackhouse, the gelding held off a strong challenge from a trio of Ciaron Maher-trained stayers to score a short-half-head victory. Strawberry Rock ($21) finished second, while Smokin’ Romans ($21) placed third, 1-¼ lengths behind.

Teo Nugent, aboard the runner-up, reviewed the final stages of the race but chose not to lodge an objection.

Bankers Choice, prepared by Thompson and Mike Moroney before Moroney’s passing in February, also scored a win at Caulfield over 2400m in March.

Moroney’s longtime racing manager, Anthony Feroce, reflected on the horse’s form struggles last spring but praised the effort this time around.

“We could just look towards the spring,” Feroce said. “He might be one that likes being in the stable and likes a freshen up.”

The Listed Warrnambool Cup (2350m) on May 1 remains a potential target for Bankers Choice.