Secretary, Sonnet 43 score big in Philracom Stakes

Ronald David’s Secretary (Dance City-Romantic Jewel) captured the P2-million 2023 Philracom Lakambini Stakes in wire-to-wire fashion last Sunday at the Metro Manila Turf Club.

The Joseph Dyhengco-bred three-year-old bay filly rocketed out of the gate under the guidance of Mart Gonzales who kept his composure despite the hounding of another speedster in Sister Moon setting a first quarter of 26.

Pressure from Sister Moon kept coming for the next two quarters, but the 23’-23 fractions set was just like a walk in the park for the Dante Salazar-trained galloper. At the final turn, it was obvious to the crowd that gathered at the Malvar, Batangas track that Sister Moon had had enough as the eventual winner started to erect a lead.

It was now the turn of the off-the-pacers to take their shot at the win. But there was still too much horse under Gonzales for them to make any headway. Secretary crossed the wire a clear three and a half lengths over longshot Domsat Seven, Earli Boating, and Winner Parade in that order.

The final quarter went at 27 for a total time of 1:39.8 for the mile.

In the P1.8-million 1st Leg of the Philracom Juvenile Stakes series jockey Pati Dilema never had a moment’s rest during the whole 1400m journey in guiding DILG Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr.’s Sonnet Forty-Three to victory.

Taking the front as the gates opened, the bay filly by Ultimate Goal out of Facil Katana was immediately hounded by Artsev and Mommy’s Love in the first 400m only to be replaced by second favorite Ghost (He’s Had Enough-Smooth Charm) in the challenge for the lead.

It was at this point that a battle royale between the two protagonists ensued with Ghost even taking the lead for about 300m. But Sonnet Forty-Three was not one to give up as the two top favorites went hoof-to-hoof all the way to the finish with merely a neck’s length separating the two.

Third placing went to Amor My Love while Heartening To See settled for fourth. The 1400m event was clocked at 1:26.6 (13’-22-23-28).

“It was great to see the tremendous support by the bayang karerista despite the heavy rains. Not to mention those who 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 Chair Reli de Leon said.