The all-conquering Darley operation combined with trainer Peter Snowden and jockey Kerrin McEvoy to complete a clean sweep of the juvenile Group Ones this season when Benfica took out Saturday’s TJ Smith at Eagle Farm.
The Lonhro colt’s success in the $500,000 1600m feature followed the wins of Sepoy in the Blue Diamond Stakes and Golden Slipper and Helmet’s victories in the Sires’ Produce Stakes and Champagne Stakes. 
McEvoy had Benfica perfectly placed in fifth place to the home turn as the favourite Hot Snitzel set the pace.
Hot Snitzel kicked clear at the top of the straight but McEvoy secured a run along the rails on Benfica and set out in pursuit.
Benfica finished doggedly to get the better of Hot Snitzel inside the final 200m and was drawing away on the line.
Playtime was third.
AAP TURF
