Sent only as the third favorite in the seven-horse field, Neat Laurel stormed upfront early despite coming from the outermost rail then engaged noted speedster Free Wind for a brief moment before surging ahead for good en route to a two-length victory over Free Wind.
She clocked 1:40 in the one-mile race with quartertimes of 23’-26-24-26’.
Top favorite Success Story (Jefril Zarate), another fancied speedster who has beaten practically the same group in past stakes races, ran a disappointing race, never figuring in the early going and struggling for home to finish a dismal fourth behind long shot San Diego Force (Pat Dilema).
Worse was Material Maker, the second favorite, who limped home fifth with ace jockey Jonathan Hernandez aboard while Speed Machine and Mica’s Magic came in sixth and seventh, respectively.
The eventual second placer actually made his charge at the far turn with Success Story and Material Maker in pursuit but Free Wind (Dennis Camañero) ran out of wind down the stretch, enabling Neat Laurel to coast to the wire unopposed.
The event was held in honor of the late Camilo ‘Boy’ Mendez, Jr., who died of heart attack two weeks ago after spending almost a lifetime working as a tipster, horse racing columnist and racing steward.
It was hosted by the Philippine Racing Club Inc. (PRCI), sponsored by the Philippine Racing Commission headed by Jimmy Dilag and organized by the PSA.
PSA president Jimmy Cantor of Malaya and PSA officials Joe Antonio of People’s Journal, Aldrin Cardona of Tribune and Edwin Gabutina of Today were on hand during the awards rites. — With report from R. Romualdez