James Anthony Rabano’s Worshipful Master proved to the bayang karerista why he was the overwhelming favorite by bagging the 2024 Philracom 3YO Maiden Stakes at the Metroturf last Sunday in convincing fashion.
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 keep in step through most of the race.
That is, until the last 300 meters where the Low Profile-Pinay Pharaoh progeny bred by Herminio “Hermie” Esguerra and trained by Ruben Tupas started laying huge strides and drew away from Primavera and crrossing the pay-off wire by a clear four lengths ahead.
The victory gave the bay colt P720-thousand in earnings in just his first outing while Primavera’s connections had to be contented with the P240-thousand runner-up prize. 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.
At the start, a speed duel ensued between Senshi Spirit and Darleb causing them to burn each other out considering the 1800m distance and leave the door wide open for Pharaohs Treasure’s late race charge.
Second placing went to Speed Fantasy with Senshi Spirit having just enough gas left to salvage third and Bombay Nights coming in fourth.
Time of race was 1:53.8 with quarters of 14-22′-24′-24′ finishing with 28 for the 1 & 1/8 mile distance.
Gracing the awarding ceremonies representing the JRA was Mr. Uichiro Miyamoto who came back to the country to show JRA’s support for the Philippine brand of horseracing.
Chairman Reli de Leon, aside from congratulating the day’s victors, expressed his appreciation for the support that the Japan Racing Association has given through the years.
