Smart Candy wins 3YO 3rd leg

CARMONA, Cavite, Philippines — Smart Candy continued to stamp her class on longer distances at the San Lazaro Leisure Park here.

The young dark bay filly, with jockey Kelvin Abobo on top, fended off the spirited late charge of Wonderland and Victorious Colt and won by a length in one minute, 41 seconds in the 1,600-meter third leg of the 2018 Philippine Racing Commission’s 3YO Local Fillies and Colts Stakes Race.

The course was 100 meters longer than the second-leg distance, which Smart Candy, also won.

It was also the first time that Smart Candy went through such a long route and proved that she can hang on to a lead.

“Sa tingin ko, kaya niya makipag-compete sa mahabang distansiya. First time niyang tumakbo ng mile. Maganda ang pinakita niya,” said Abobo.

Smart Candy finished just a pace ahead of Wonderland, which overtook Victorious Colt from the right side.

Abobo said he had little trouble prodding Smart Candy to the front since she loves to take charge in any race she runs.

“Gusto niya sa harapan, kaya hindi kami masyadong nahirapan,” added Abobo of Smart Candy, which won for owner SC Stockfarm the top purse of P600,000 from the total guaranteed purse of P1 million.

Trainer Chito Santos said this serves as Smart Candy’s continuing preparation for next month’s Triple Crown.