Sunbean rallies to defeat Mobile Bay in Gold Cup

The millionaire Sunbean won the 15th stakes race of his career Saturday night when he rallied for a half-length victory over favorite Mobile Bay in the $100,000 Gold Cup at Delta Downs. It was another head back to Sir Genghis in third.

The Gold Cup was for 3-year-olds and up bred in Louisiana. The race is expected to produce starters for stakes on the Louisiana Champions Day program Dec. 10 at Fair Grounds.

Sunbean ($8.60) won the Gold Cup for the third time in his career. It was his 16th overall victory from 26 starts; the $60,000 first-place check pushed his earnings to $1,172, 250. He is a 6-year-old by Brahms who races for his breeder, Brittlyn Stable.

Sunbean settled off the pace in the one-mile Gold Cup as Sir Genghis took the field through fractions of 23.60 seconds for the opening quarter, 47.26 for the half-mile, and 1:11.57 for six furlongs while pushed along by Mobile Bay. Sunbean came rolling around the final turn and kept his momentum through the stretch. He covered the distance on a fast track in 1:38.39.

Richard Eramia was aboard the winner for trainer Ron Faucheux.

Big World wins Magnolia

Big World made her first start against Louisiana-breds memorable Friday night when she defeated older rivals by 3 1/4 lengths in the $100,000 Magnolia at Delta Downs. Sunny Oak finished second, while it was another three-quarters of a length back in third to Forest Lake.

The Magnolia, for fillies and mares at a mile, often produces starters for stakes on the Louisiana Champions Day program at Fair Grounds.

Big World ($4.20) established herself as a Louisiana-bred of note last year at 2 when she won the Grade 3 Tempted at Aqueduct. She was making her second start of the year in the Magnolia, and stalked dueling leaders Kinky Vow, Sunny Oak, and Nadia Anne through an opening quarter in 23.20 seconds and a half-mile in 47.54.

Big World moved to the lead through six furlongs in 1:12.52 and proceeded to cover the distance on a track rated fast in 1:39.29. Gerard Melancon was aboard for Maggi Moss and trainer Tom Amoss.

Big World, who entered the Magnolia off a third-place finish in an optional $62,500 claiming race Sept. 29 at Belmont Park, has now won three of six starts. She earned $60,000 for her win Friday, to push her earnings to $253,600.

Big World is a daughter of Custom For Carlos. She was bred by Curt Leake and Elm Tree Farm.