ALMOST everyone predicted Low Profile to rule the 2015 Philracom Ambassador Eduardo Danding Cojuangco Jr. Cup in Naic, Cavite. But few could have seen the dominant, wire-to-wire victory where the horse led from the start and gradually increased its advantage until the finish.
Other horses took turns at taking second and third places. But there was never ever any serious challenge in the race after Low Profile took the lead right at the start.
Low Profile dominated against a strong field of imported racehorses including Bentley, Eugenie, Oh Oh Seven, Silver Sword and Strong Champion as well as local chargers Messi, Penrith, Pugad Lawin and Tap Dance.
Low Profile exploded out of the starting gate taking the lead immediately from the start. Galloping near the inner rail it was challenged early on by quick-starting Strong Champion.
Passing by the Stewards Stand, Low Profile extended its lead to two lengths with Silver Sword now at second and Bentley at third.
After completing 3/4 mile Low Profile increased its lead to about five lengths. Silver Sword and Bentley hung on to second and third places. They were followed by Tap Dance and Eugenie,
With just half a mile distance left Low Profile increased its lead to seven lengths. Silver Sword was still at second followed by Tap Dance, Strong Champion, Eugenie and Bentley.
Nearing the far turn, Low Profile finally seemed to be tiring. Silver Sword cut the gap to just five lengths with Tap Dance and Messie moving up fast. As the horses went into the stretch and headed for home Tap Dance and Messie made their run. Tap Dance grabbed second, five lengths behind with Messie at third.
That was as close as any other horse would get. Seeing the finish line veteran jockey Mark Alvarez whipped Low Profile into a frenzy and the horse seemed to go into another gear while charging forward even faster.
Low Profile finished the race pulling away leading by eight lengths as it crossed the finish line of the 2,000 meter race in two minutes and six seconds. Following far behind in order were Messie, Tap Dance, Eugenie, Penrith, Silver Sword, Oh Oh Seven, Strong Champion and Bentley.
The 2015 Ambassador Eduardo Danding Cojuangco Jr. Cup offered a total prize money of P2 million.
Low profile added to its winnings of P2,955,220 which was good for fifth place in the top money earners as of Oct. 31. Court of Honour led the winners with P3,716,984. Others in the top five were Miss Brulay, P3,289,203; Skyway, P3,165,034; and Superv, P3,003,949.
The race itself was held at the beautiful new racecourse at the Saddle & Clubs Leisure Park in Naic, Cavite. The site of the new Santa Ana Park is a bustling recreational community that has enlivened the progressive province of Cavite.
On race days the 65-hectare Santa Ana Park race course comes alive. When dusk falls, the brilliant lights of the track could be seen for miles around as it shines like a beacon inviting people in.
Today, the racecourse is home to about 800 horses housed in the facility consisting of 78 stable building clusters. The track boasts of the most modern race amenities including an equine pool near the stables where horses take a dip to complete their early morning practice regimen.
