Superstitious punters received an Ominous Warning for the 2016 Perth Cup when a galloper by that name won the Stafford Brothers Hcp (1200m) at Ascot.

Ominous Warning is by Danehill Express and the Mungrup Stud stallion has Properantes primed for Perth’s premier staying event this Saturday.  He’s one of the few viable alternatives to the Bob Peters-owned quartet of Delicacy, Neverland, Real Love and Respondent.

Trainer Keith Frost has rejuvenated Ominous Warning after the gelding had been through two other stables for a sole provincial win in 15 starts.  “He’s a very strong, powerful horse and I haven’t had any issues with him,” Frost revealed.  “He’s a good doer and can even be a bit of a pig at feed time.”

Ominous Warning (5g Danehill Express – Lady Iconic by Kenvain) had won second-up at Bunbury on December 6 prior to the front-running victory under Takahide Ikenushi at Ascot last Wednesday.  “Ike’s got good hands and settled him in the lead,” Frost said.  “He can be headstrong but took a hold and then hit the line.”

He was bred by Mungrup Stud in partnership with Lex & Shirley Piper and his half-sister Buhn Lert (Oratorio) notched her 8th win at Northam in September.  Another half-sister – Renown Lady (Due Sasso) – opened her career with wins at Northam and Pinjarra last season.

Their dam Lady Iconic is a half-sister to LR Grandstand Cup & LR All Stars Stakes winner Beyond Dispute (Dolphin Street).  Second-dam Lady Icon (O’Connor) was one of four stakes performers foaled by LR Belmont Oaks winner Todtona (Todvega).

Danehill Express has 5 yearlings entered for the 2016 Perth Magic Millions starting with Lot 47, a brother to Shalo who was only been beaten once (by a nose) in five starts at Ascot last season.