Worshipful Master lived up to his lofty billing by bagging the 2024 Philracom 3YO Maiden Stakes in convincing fashion Sunday, March 17, at the Metro Turf in Malvar, Batangas.
Engaged in a one-on-one battle from the time the gates opened by second choice Primavera (Top Billing out of Lorinda), jockey Martmart Gonzales knew that he had his opponent’s number by easing up and letting the Pati Dilema-mounted galloper take the lead most of the race.
But in the last 300 meters where the Low Profile-Pinay Pharaoh progeny bred by Herminio “Hermie” Esguerra and trained by Ruben Tupas started to unleash long, flowing strides and pull away from Primavera for a clear four-length win.
His splendid debut win rewarded the owner the handsome top purse of P720,000 while Primavera’s prize was worth P240,000.
Da Compulsive took third while Regalberto nosed out Hans City for fouth placing.
Registering fiercely contested quarters of 13′-22′-23 and closing out with a 27 for a total time of 1:26 flat over the 1400m distance will keep the railbirds abuzz as to what’s next for this James Rabano campaigner.
In the 2024 Philracom Golden Anniversary and Japan Racing Association Friendship race it was Pharaohs Treasure, a progeny of American Pharaoh out of Namurian Sunset which crossed the finish line ahead of every one else.
Second place went to Speed Fantasy while Senshi Spirit salvaged third.
