Having just his third career start, two-year-old Benfica gave his 11-time G1-winning sire Lonhro his second Stakes winner in the space of two days and 24th overall, by recording a facile three-and-a-quarter-length victory in the Listed Hampden Stakes at Doomben.
Jumping out of the barriers swiftly, the Peter Snowden-trained colt had an excellent run throughout and as the field rounded the home turn, jockey Damian Browne allowed the Sheikh Mohammed-owned colt to come off the rails and chase down the leader to score with ease.
Bred by Darley, Benfica is out of the Danehill mare Hut, a half-sister to Dalquarren, who is in turn the dam of G1 Queen of the Turf Stakes winner Neroli. From the family of Stakes winners Riverina Charm, Paolino, Mirandola and Sarawatch, Benfica is bred on the successful Lonhro – Danehill cross which has produced Stakes winners Deer Valley, Pinwheel and Black Minx.
Entered for the G1 TJ Smith Stakes in June, victory in that race would give back to back wins to the Darley stallions after the dominating performance of Domesday colt Pressday last year.
Standing the forthcoming breeding season for $77,000 (inc GST) at Darley Kelvinside, Lonhro is the sire of 44 Stakes performers to date including G1 winner Denman, G2 winners Parables, O’Lonhro and Obsequious as well as G3 winners Beaded, Trim and Demerit.
Later in the day, Lonhro's full sister Shannara (Octagonal) recorded her first Stakes victory, taking out the Listed Dark Jewel Classic at Scone over a 1400m to add further black type to Lonhro's already impressive pedigree.
