Rancho Sta. Rosa’s La Trouppei (Brigand out of Betty H) made his vaunted last quarter surge under “Genius Rider” Kelvin Abobo in bagging the first leg of the 2023 Philracom Triple Crown series at the Metro Manila Turf Club last Sunday.

Not minding being relegated to second last in the early goings, Abobo knew that he just had to wait for the opportune moment to make his move and La Trouppei responded with a stertch drive to mow down top choice Jaguar (second placer) by a mere head and second choice Istulen Ola (third placer) to bag the plum and the P2.1-million prize money that goes with the win.

Time of race was 1:38.8 for the 1600m distance with clips of 24′-23′-23′-27 with the first three quarters set by Istulen Ola with hounding from Jaguar. Finishing fourth was Gintong Hari.

Saturday’s events produced non-favorites as winners as Earli Boating (Brigand out of Husso Porte) nipped Rough Cut at the wire to take home the first leg of 2023 Philracom Hopeful Stakes while longshot Easy Way (Dance City – Maria’s Tale) snatched the first edition of the 2023 Philracom 3YO Locally Bred Stakes.

Earli Boating, owned by the Running Rich Stables, was dead last through most of the 1600-meter journey, but jockey Pati Dilema didn’t push the panic button as he just kept the leader in his sights.

The eventual winner wasn’t given much thought by the bayang karerista until the last bend for home when Dilema brought his mount wide and launched a strong drive for the win stopping the clock at 1:41.6 (25′-23′-24′-28)

In contrast, Easy Way with Rodeo Fernandez on board was in front through most of the journey holding off all comers with a threat from Secretary in the last 75 meters. Unfortunately, that threat fell short by a neck. Easy Way recorded a finishing time of 1:40.6 with clips of 25′-24-24-27.

“We have just witnessed over the weekend three exciting finishes in the events we had scheduled. Congratulations to all the winners and their winning connections. Expect more of thi kind of excitement as these runners gear up for the second leg in June,” Philracom Chairman Reli de Leon said.