Free-wheeling galloper Zedspiel appreciated clear running room to score a dominant victory in the Irish Day @ Belmont Park Hcp (1300m) at Belmont on Wednesday.

The son of Mungrup Stud sire Danehill Express defeated Sass’n’ping (Due Sasso) and Not A Single Drop (Not a Single Doubt) by over a length.  “He won here two starts back after sitting outside the leader and appreciated clear air again today,” trainer Paul Jordan said.  “It was terrific ride by Mitch (Pateman).  He let the leader cross and then pulled out in the straight.”

Zedspiel (4g Danehill Express – Zedfire by Zedrich) will be taken through the classes this campaign before connections make any firm plans for the future.  “He got up to 1800 metres in some of those stakes races for three year-olds in March,” Jordan recalled.  “He was only beaten short margins but we will wait and see whether he can handle longer distances this season.”

The gelding is a homebred for leading owners Lex and Shirley Piper and races in their orange and red colours after failing to make a $50,000 reserve at the 2011 Perth Magic Millions.

His win was a timely boost for Danehill Express following news his smart sprinter Express Service is out until the New Year.  The Darren McAuliffe trained galloper was being set for the LR Hannans Hcp but was sidelined due to a mild case of laminitis.

Express Service won the LR Challenge Stakes and Magic Millions Trophy last season to help his sire claim the WA second-season and 3YO premierships.  Plans call for him to return in the Mungrup Stud Sprint at Mt Barker in January before the LR Bunbury Stakes in March.

Danehill Express (Danehill) is standing for an $8,800 (inc gst) service fee this season.

– Karl Patterson