Moonsearch was rewarded for a consistent campaign at Ascot on Saturday.

A son of Mungrup Stud sire Danehill Express, he launched a late charge for a narrow victory in the Dee Dee’s 60 Hcp (1600m).

“Bad barriers and bad luck haven’t helped,” trainer Colin Webster explained.  “He enjoys racing but was a bit aggressive today.  That’s unlike him so it’s probably time for a break.”

Moonsearch (3g Danehill Express – Moonmetal by Metal Storm) was caught deep and lost a plate when third in the LR Fairetha Stakes last month.  He then drew wide and came from last to finish sixth in the G2 WA Guineas – three lengths from Ihtsahymn.

“It was a magnificent run in the Guineas,” Webster said.  “We haven’t pushed him and he will come back much better for it next year.”

Moonsearch is from a sister to Mungrup Stud bred stakes winners Stormy’s Son and Storm Shot and sold for $25,000 at the 2012 Perth Magic Millions.  Webster gave him a brief autumn preparation for wins at Bunbury and Ascot before a sixth-placed finish in the G2 Karrakatta Plate.

The latest Ascot victory increased his bank balance to $147,000 and kept Danehill Express entrenched in the Top 10 on the Australian third-season premiership.

Mungrup stands Danehill Express for an $8,800 (inc gst) service fee.  Among the stud’s yearlings catalogued for the 2014 Perth Magic Millions is a colt from G3 WA Oaks winner Moodometer.