BENICIO is gaining a reputation for consistently tough gallopers that can get some ground as proven again by first crop filly Slippery Satin, winner of today’s $30,000 0-72 Handicap (1800m) for three-year-old fillies at Sandown.
Trained by Mick Price, Slippery Satin cruised into the race at the top of the straight for Craig Newitt and looked as comfortable over 1800m in the heavy conditions as she did on the firmer ground when winning her previous start over a mile.
Slippery Satin went over a length clear with a furlong remaining and maintained that lead to the line to record her second successive victory with third a further six lengths in arrears.
“She got through the ground pretty good, not brilliant, but better than most of them,” Newitt said.
“When I let her down at the 150 metre mark she didn’t let down much but she was strong.
“She’s nothing special to look out, she’s just very honest and I’m sure she’ll get further,” he added.
Mick Price has only had two Benicio’s in his stable, the other being Stakes placed Cuban Sunday with which he won three in a row before his last start placing in the Listed Galilee Final at Caulfield over 2400m.
“The pleasing thing is that at her first test on Heavy going she handled it.” Price said, “I think these Benicio’s stick a bit.”
“I’ve only trained two of them, the other being Cuban Sunday, but this is the first time she’s raced over 1800 metres on a Heavy (10) so its was certainly a test of stamina,” he added.
A member of Benicio’s first crop, Slippery Satin has now raced seven times for two wins and two placings with perhaps the best yet to come as she extends beyond a mile.
