Victorian Derby winner Benicio sired his first stakes winner on Saturday when Vinery homebred Cuban Sunday powered home in the LR Slickpix Plate (1700m) at Caulfield.

Cuban Sunday (5g Benicio – Magical Sunday by Sunday Silence) had been racing in great heart on wet tracks in recent weeks and relished the improved conditions at Caulfield.  Trainer Pat Carey also mentioned the winner benefited from a well executed ride by Michael Walker who overcame an ordinary barrier to finish over the top of his rivals.

Carey was clearly delighted with the win and he also paid tribute to owner Dick McCarthy who races the horse in partnership with Neville Gibson and Vinery Stud’s Peter Orton and Adam White.  “It is a great feeling to train a winner for such a gentleman of racing as Dick McCarthy,” Carey said.  “And I’m happy that he’s here with us to see Cuban Sunday win.

“All things being equal, we can look forward to more fun with Cuban Sunday over the spring carnival.”

Benicio is by Vinery champion More Than Ready from G3 winning Danehill mare Mannington.  It’s the family of Group 1 winning fillies Bollinger (Coolmore Classic) and Bint Marscay (Golden Slipper).

Cuban Sunday’s dam Magical Sunday is a sister to former Chatswood Stud resident Tayasu Tsuyoshi who sired Hollow Bullet to Group 1 victories in the 2004 VRC Oaks and 2005 Arrowfield Stud Stakes.

Magical Sunday has a 3yo Red Ransom filly named Something Magical with Mick Price.  She is another Vinery homebred and has her hoof right on the till after a close second at Kilmore on Saturday.  The mare also has a yearling colt by Big Brown.

– Karl Patterson