Bunbury based owner-breeder Dan Love celebrated on two fronts after the wins of Eclair Surprise and Fanicio on Melbourne Cup day.

Love and his wife Julie own the dam of Eclair Surprise who won the LR Diamond Jubilee Plate (1800m) at Flemington and they doubled up with promising stayer Fanicio in the Facebook Perth Racing Hcp (1800m) at Ascot.

Eclair Surprise (5g Blackfriars – French Scene by Scenic) has boosted the value of his dam since Love bought her for $37,000 at a Perth Magic Millions Sale in April.  French Scene had won races at Pinjarra and Belmont in 2005 and foaled Eclair Surprise first-up.  She was bred back to Blackfriars this year.

The Loves have been patient with Perth stayer Fanicio and that’s beginning to pay off this season.  The Paige Kenney trained gelding won his fourth race on Tuesday after circling the field on the home turn.  “He gets back and takes a while to wind up,” Kenney explained.  “He’s still learning and is already looking for more ground.”

Fanicio (4g Benicio – Lasting Faith by Humam) was a bargain $2,200 buy as a foal.  “It’s tempting to aim him for the summer carnival but a better option might be to wait,” Kenney added.  “His sire Benicio won a Victoria Derby and I think he can develop into a Cups horse next year.”

Fanicio is blazing a trail for his owners in the racing and breeding spheres.  Love has been particularly active in the broodmare market this year and he has also installed G2 winning stallion Famous Roman (Danetime) at Waterford Stud.

Benicio (More Than Ready) stands alongside his own sire at Vinery.  His first black-type in Perth arrived when brilliant sprinter Benny’s Halo won two-from-two at Ascot before going down a short neck in Night War’s G2 Karrakatta Plate.

– Karl Patterson