Messene caps a memorable day for Team Hawkes and James McDonald

Talented Lonhro gelding Messene took his record to an impressive seven wins from 10 starts with victory in the December Handicap (1550m) at Canterbury on Saturday.

The win was the third of the day for the trainer and jockey team of Hawkes racing and James McDonald after they combined earlier for victories with Invisible and Maysoon.

"It's a real team effort and it's been a great day,” co-trainer Michael Hawkes, who trains in partnership with his father John and brother Wayne, said.

"To have three runners, three winners here and a second (Bugatty) in Melbourne is a really good day.”

McDonald's ride aboard Messene was evidence the form the young Kiwi rider is in, having his mount travelling in the one out, one back position despite starting from the outside barrier in the 10 horse field.

Approaching the home turn McDonald eased Messene out three wide and he strode up purposefully before surging to the front to score an easy win.

"Everything played into his hands,” Hawkes said. "He's a lovely horse going forward.

"He's probably a little bit untapped, the best is yet to come but we've placed him in the right races and put him where he can win which makes him look even better.

Messene ($1.65 fav) defeated the Greg Bennett-trained Kaypers ($18) by 2-1/2 lengths with a half-length back to the Chris Waller-trained Said Com ($5.50).

Hawkes indicated the stable would ease up on Messene now with races during the Sydney autumn carnival the four-year-old's next goal.