A CHANGE of strategy did wonders for War Cannon as he foiled Nuclear Bomb’s bid to complete a rare sweep of the Triple Crown series at the Sta. Ana Park in Naic, Cavite last Sunday.
Instead of setting the pace like he did in the first two legs, jockey Kelvin Abobo positioned War Canon in the middle of the pack early in the 2,000-meter race, leaving him enough gas to battle Nuclear Bomb in the stretch.
This strategy worked to perfection as the charger of Melaine Habla battled Nuclear Bomb in a furious race in the last 400 meters and won by four lengths.
“Actually, lahat ng leg gusto namin remate siya kaso may ugali siya kaya kinorect lang namin hanggang sa natuto nu’ng third leg,” said Abobo.
War Canon, by Brigand out of Ivanavinalo, rewarded Habla the top prize of P2.1 million, along with the exquisite trophy designed and created by renowned artist Ramon Orlina.
War Cannon clocked 2:07 (23’-23’-26-26’-27’). Nuclear Bomb settled for second, followed by Kevlar, Gusto Mucho, King Tiger, and Flattering You.
In the 2021 Philracom Hopeful Stakes, businessman-sportsman Sandy Javier’s Shanghai Silk pulled the rug from under her favored opponents and won the P900,00 prize.
Fast-starting Chrome Platter dictated the pace, with Shanghai Silk sitting in fifth place. As the pack hit the 3/4-mile pole, La Vie D’Or took over the lead, with Shanghai Silk in tow.
In the final straightway, Shanghai Silk surged in front and never looked back to win the 2,000-meter race by five lengths, clocking of 2:06.6 (24-24’-26-25-27).
La Vie D’Or, O Sole Mio, Tocque Bell rounded out the top four finishers.
Isla Puting Bato went from last to first to rule the Philracom 3YO Locally Bred Stakes for Mary Ann Tansengco.
