Security Master top pick in TC first leg

Following a string of five impressive victories in his sophomore-racing year, 2002 Juvenile champion Security Master sets out to conquer the most coveted racing title of all as he parades to the post as top favorite in the "Eduardo Cojuangco, Jr. Cup"—first leg of the 2003 Triple Crown Championship Series set today at the Santa Ana Park.

The P1.87-million Triple Crown opener, held in honor of Philracom founding chairman Eduardo "Danding" Cojuangco Jr., promises to be another racing blockbuster as six outstanding locally bred three-year-olds battle it out over 1,600-meters in the first of three racing classics that havegiven rise to a long line of track champions.

Ever since its inaugural running in 1978, the local Triple Crown, comprising of three championship races set over progressive distances from a mile to 2,000-meters, has been conquered thus far by only eight other racing greats, including Fair And Square, Skywalker, Time Master, Magic Showtime, Sun Dancer, Strong Material, Real Top and Silver Story. Security Master stands on the threshold of following in the footsteps of these former Triple Crown champions who swept the series in decisive fashion.

Picking up from where he left off last year, the celebrated bay colt by Khozaam (USA) out of Milrose (NZ), has so far been peerless in his division, chalking-up easy victories since the start of the year (including two in stakes company) and earning more than P1.4 million in prize money to boost his earnings past P3.3-million.

Owned by racing partners Reynaldo "Myther" Buñag and Antonio Eleazar, the champion colt has now won 10 races in 11 starts, having lost only once to perennial rival High Octane, which he eventually defeated in two subsequent track encounters. Jockey Valentin Dilema rides Security Master anew, having guided him to seven straight victories since November last year.

High Octane, from the high profile racing operation of businessman Hermie Esguerra, stakes his claim anew to the division title, coming off a huge victory in the second leg of the "Road to Triple Crown Stakes." Jockey Dominador Borbe Jr. rides the quick-striding colt by Hazm (USA) out of Rosegardenqueen (USA).

Steadily improving West Bound ran a fast-closing second to High Octane in the Triple Crown lead-up race last April and has since chalked up two impressive wins. Hot rider Jonathan Hernandez will partner the Hezagonewest (USA)-Fair Maiden colt. — Ramon Romualdez