Bookends by Danehill Express at Belmont

Mungrup Stud champion Danehill Express bookended the Belmont Park meeting on Wednesday with whirlwind winners Halo Express and Kauri’s Tiger.

After spotting the leaders huge starts on the home turn, they both produced powerful sprints to win going away.

HALO EXPRESS (2g Danehill Express – Bolasque by Don’t Say Halo) was facing the starter for just the second time in the Westspeed 2YO Hcp (1400m) after being placed on debut a fortnight ago. “He was caught three-wide and hit the line good first-up,” trainer Grant Williams said. “I told Glenn (Smith) to go back again and he didn’t go around a horse today.”

Halo Express is raced by syndicate that includes Elio and Jacque Galante and the trainer’s wife Alana. He races in the colours made famous by Australian Horse of the Year Scenic Blast and is from the family of Group 1 winning miler Chanteclair.

“Alana said he would appreciate the extra ground,” Williams added. “We will send him out for a spell now – he still has plenty of growing to do.”

KAURI’S TIGER (4g Danehill Express – Tiger Mite by Metal Storm) rattled home from the rear to close the card a winner in the TAB Touch Hcp (1300m). The gelding has found a new lease of life for his connections since returning from a summer spell.

“He won a Pinjarra maiden first-up and ran a real good race in the Winter Championship Final last time,” part-owner and trainer Gary McPherson said. “He does best when kept fresh and is starting to enjoy his racing.

“He had some problems when we got him last year and Troy Turner helped sort things out. He can let down with a nice of foot but tends to stargaze if he gets to the front too early.”

Kauri’s Tiger is the first foal of Tiger Mite who won three races at Pinjarra for owner-breeder Garth Kau. The mare was covered by Dick Turpin last year.

Danehill Express was crowned Western Australia’s first and second-season champion and he will sweep the third-season title – his current stats are 41 winners of 73 races and over $1.74 million in prizemoney.

Mungrup Stud will stand Danehill Express for a $5,500 (inc gst) fee this year.