Gentle Strength leads field in Lakambini Stakes race

MANILA, Philippines - Gentle Strength topbills this year’s Philippine Racing Commission Lakambini Stakes mile today at the Philippine Racing Club’s Santa Ana Park.

The winner of last Sunday’s Mayor Ramon Bagatsing Sr. Cup (Div. I) at San Lazaro Leisure Park, Gentle Strength will compete against five other fillies in the Lakambini – Joseph Dyhengco’s coupled entries Burbank and Stargazer, Honorato Neri’s Court of Honor, Lolita Tañala’s Leona Lolita, and SC Stockfarm’s Princess Ella.

 “The Lakambini,” said Philracom chairman Andrew Sanchez, “like all our agency-sponsored stakes races, provides incentives for the development of the sport and of Philippine thoroughbreds.”

Philracom allotted P1.2 million in total prizes. The winner will receive P720,000, second placer P270,000, third P150,000, and fourth P60,000. There is also a purse of P50,000 to the breeder of the winning horse (if it is a local breed).

Gentle Strength, owned by Mandaluyong Mayor Benhur Abalos, bested seven others over 1,750-meters to win via photo finish in the Bagatsing Cup.

Like Gentle Strength, Court of Honor is also a stayer, the longshot winner of the 1,800-meter Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office Silver Cup last June 14, also at Santa Ana Park. Princess Ella is a multiple-stakes winner, while the others could pull off an upset under favorable conditions.

“Racing fans are sure to enjoy this year’s edition of the Lakambini,” said Sanchez, “and appreciate the talents of these fillies competing at the elite level.”