Radio Bell waited for the right time to strike and the filly sent off as the far second choice ruled the third leg of the Philippine Racing Commission’s Triple Crown (TC) series that Basheirrou failed to sweep at Santa Ana Park in Naic, Cavite.
Clocking an impressive two minutes and 7.6 seconds (broken down in 24-23’-25-26’-28’) for the 2,000-meter distance, the three-year-old by Sakima out of Radioactive Love was handled to perfection by ace Jonathan Hernandez.
The win was worth a cool P2.1 million to the winning connections, but more importantly, Radio Bell will go down in history as the charger that prevented what would have been the 13th TC sweep in local horseracing history.
“After our impressive showing in the second leg, my team and I were confident that Radio Bell would have a better performance,” owner Elmer de Leon said. “I am just so happy for my first Triple Crown win.”
Basheirrou, under Kelvin Abobo, was lured into a race of doom by Gomezian for the early lead and simply didn’t have anything left when the field rounded the bend for the last 400 meters where Radio Bell turned it all up for a five-length win.
Jungkook, Enigma Uno and Gomezian checked in second to fourth.
Colony Bell, another De Leon entry, won the 3YO Locally Bred Stakes, timing 2:10 for the 2,000-meter distance.
Queen Louise was second and Thermodynamics third.