Vatuvei has proved too strong in the $100,000 JJ Houlahan Hurdle (3400m) at Ballarat on Sunday.

Akzar grabbed his most impressive win since moving to Darren Weir's yard, claiming the Warrnambool Cup.

Westsouthwest has concluded an encouraging maiden jumps preparation with a determined victory in the $100,000 Australian Hurdle at Sandown on Wednesday.

Now that the winner of the Mornington Cup in a fortnight gets a free ticket into the G1 Caulfield Cup in October, the race has attracted a great deal more interest and this afternoon’s prelude has assembled a handy group of stayers on target for the feature.

A team of four stayers from the Gai Waterhouse stable and a first time entry from Sydney's premier trainer Chris Waller feature among the nominations for the $225,000 AAMI Hobart Cup at Elwick on February 10.