Sunbean sets stakes record in Gold Cup win

Sunbean set a stakes record Saturday night at Delta Downs, where he cruised to a 4 3/4-length win in the $100,000 Gold Cup. Louisiana Flyboy finished second in the one-mile race, while it was another length back in third to Masters Degree.

Sunbean won in 1:37.49, lowering the Gold Cup standard of 1:38.33 set by Snug in 2010.

The race, which is for Louisiana-breds, is expected to produce starters for next month’s Louisiana Champions Day at Fair Grounds.

Sunbean ($3.40) accounted for his second straight Gold Cup after a stalking trip behind Ide Be Cool and Masters Degree, who dueled through an opening quarter in 22.52 seconds, a half-mile in 45.91 and six furlongs in 1:11.04. Sunbean launched his bid on the final turn, overtook the leaders, and went on to capture the 10th stakes win of his 18-race career.

Richard Eramia was aboard for trainer Ron Faucheux.

Sunbean earned $60,000 for the win, which was the 11th of his career. His earnings now stand at $760,150. Brittlyn Stable bred and races Sunbean, a 4-year-old by Brahms.