Golden Ballet humbles old tormentor

Golden Ballet settled an old score with rival Material Maker when she topped yesterday’s P1-million Sampaguita stakes race at the San Lazaro Park in Carmona, Cavite.

Golden Ballet, owned by businessman Jun Almeda, lost by a length to Material Maker in the Klub Don Juan de Manila Golden Girls race also in San Lazaro last month.

Yesterday, however, was an entirely different story.

Moving close to the rail early in the 10-horse race, Golden Ballet watched from behind as Hazmoore, Mica’s Magic and Material Maker set the pace in the 1,900-meter race, the eighth of 13 scheduled yesterday.

It was at the backstretch that Golden Ballet found the space she needed, then picked up the speed and, coming from the outside, overtook the leaders en route to the convincing victory.

Golden Ballet crossed the finish in 2:03.5 trailed by Material Maker (P225,000) some four lengths behind. Third was Dandansoy (P125,000), followed by Mica’s Magic (P50,000), Successful Dream and Windlass. Hazmoore faded away in the end.

"Golden Ballet is just nearing her peak but she still has to shed off some excess weight. Medyo mabigat pa," said Almeda of his four-year-old galloper during the awarding ceremony.

Winning jockey Jonathan Hernandez and trainer Teodorico Basco, a former rider, received their own trophies from Philracom officials then vowed to do even better with Golden Ballet next time.

"Tama si Sir Almeda, may kabigatan pa ang katawan kaya sa susunod, mas maganda pa ang itatakbo ni Golden Ballet," said Hernandez.— Ramon Romualdez