CHAMPION. Secretary wins the 2023 Philracom Lakambini Stakes at the Metro Turf Club in Malvar, Batangas on Sept. 3, 2023. Jockey Mart Gonzales guided the three-year-old bay filly to victory. (Philracom photo)
MANILA – Ronald David’s Secretary (Dance City-Romantic Jewel) dominated the PHP2-million 2023 Philippine Racing Commission (Philracom) Lakambini Stakes race at the Metro Manila Turf Club in Malvar, Batangas on Sunday.
The Joseph Dyhengco-bred three-year-old bay filly guided by Mart Gonzales was unstoppable, crossing the wire a clear three and a half lengths over longshot Domsat Seven, Earli Boating and Winner Parade in that order.
Meanwhile, Sonnet Forty Three of Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin "Benhur" Abalos Jr. dominated the PHP1.8-million 1st leg of the Juvenile Stakes series.
The bay filly by Ultimate Goal out of Facil Katana was hounded by Artsev and Mommy’s Love in the first 400 meters before Ghost (He’s Had Enough-Smooth Charm) made a move to take the lead for about 300m.
But Sonnet Forty Three, guided by jockey Pati Dilema, caught up with Ghost and the two went hoof-to-hoof all the way to the finish line.
Amor My Love finished third followed by Heartening To See.
"It was great to see the tremendous support by the bayang karerista (racing community) despite the heavy rains. Not to mention those that came to Metroturf to witness firsthand today's events. Congratulations to the connections of both Sonnet Forty Three and Secretary for winning their respective stakes races," Philracom chairman Reli de Leon said in a news release on Monday. (PNA)
