NUCLEAR Bomb took another step in his bid to complete a rare Triple Crown sweep by holding off Kaparkan Falls at the wire yesterday in the second leg of the series at the Metro Manila Turf Club in Malvar, Batangas.
Owned by Gabriel Gaerlan and trained by Conrado Vicente, the gray colt bred by Hermie Esguerra engaged in a tough battle with Kaparkan Falls in the last 100 meters of the 1,800-meter race, eventually scoring a half-length win under the masterful guidance of apprentice jockey Pabs Cabalejo.
The victory by the progeny of Oh Oh Seven out of Hayley Rebecca was worth P2.1 million and gave him a shot at immortality in the third leg on Oct. 3 at the Philippine Racing Club in Naic, Cavite, a race set over 2,000 meters. If he win, he will give his owner a P1 million bonus.
Nuclear Bomb clocked 1:51(13-22’-23’-24’-27’).
Kaparkan Falls’ runner-up finish was worth P700,000. Rounding out the top six finishers were the late-charging Kevlar (P350,000), Gusto Mucho (P175,000), War Cannon (P105,000) and Hook On D Run (P70,000.Esguerra will receive P175,000 as breeder.
Nuclear Bomb bided his time at the back early in the race and made his move at the 3/8 mile pole, urged on by Cabalejo. As the field raced for home, Nuclear Bomb exploded to grab the lead, with Kaparkan Falls in tow, en route to victory.
