Secretary showed tremendous power and captured the P2-million 2023 Philracom Lakambini Stakes in wire-to-wire fashion on Sunday, Sept. 3, at the Metro Manila Turf Club in Malvar, Batangas.
The three-year-old bay filly by Dance City of out Romantic Jewel got out of the gate under the brilliant guidance of jockey Mart Gonzales then engaged Sister Moon in an early sprint race before pulling away for good.
At the final turn, it was obvious to the crowd that Sister Moon had no answer to Secretary’s long and flowing strides and faded away.
Owned by Ronald David, Secretary crossed the wire a clear three and a half lengths over longshot Domsat Seven, Earli Boating and Winner Parade in that order.
Secretary’s 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 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 place 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).
