HARDLY breaking a sweat, favorite Secretary scored a wire-to-wire triumph in the 2022 Philracom 2-year-old Maiden Stakes race last Sunday at the San Lazaro Leisure and Business Park.
The bay filly bred by Joseph Dyhengco had quarter clockings of 12’-24’-25-27’ (1:29) for the 1,400-meter race held in honor of former Philracom chairman and now Permanent Philippine Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Antonio Manuel Lagdameo.
The win was worth P600,000 for Secretary, who immediately took a two-length lead as the field of six jumped out of the gate, with Jaguar and Love Radio trying their best to keep in step with the pace set by the leader.
By the half-mile pole, it was evident the pace being set was just too much as Secretary settled in his stride, with multi-titled jockey Jeffril Zarate holding his mount a bit to save strength for the final furlong.
Jaguar, Love Radio and Malibu Bell came in second, third and fourth for P225,000, P125,000 and P50,000, respectively.
“Sinigurado ko lang na gumanda talon ng kabayo ko at pagkatapos nu’n ay ma-relax ko siya. Sa ultimo kwarto pinitik ko na ‘yung kabayo ko at nag-respond naman at lumayo na kami,” Zarate said.
Owner Ronald David said: “We expected Secretary to lead from the start, but of course the threat of the competition was always there. In the end, I guess suwerte lang na siguro talagang para sa atin ‘yung panalo.”
