The three-year-old colt by Liobovnik out of Southern Gas spoiled the much hyped-up Wind Blown-Colegiala dream match by winning the rich Millennium Open Championship Sunday but expired due to heart attack later after the race.
The big crowd at San Lazaro was as stunned as the charger galloped past a fading Wind Blown in the last 75 meters and lay sprawled on the track, succumbing to heart failure after negotiating the punishing 2,000-meter event in 2:06 flat.
"Sayang, maganda pa naman ang itinakbo niya," said jockey Jeffril Zarate after steering his mount to a two-length victory worth P1.2 million for owner Eric Tagle.
Zarate, one of the best talents to have come out of the ranks, knew that Phenomenal had a big chance against the fancied duo despite finishing third behind Wind Blown and Greely Good in the Presidential Gold Cup last Dec. 10, also at San Lazaro.
"Alam ko kasing magba-bakbakan sa harapan sina Wind Blown at Colegiala kaya sinunod ko lang," said Zarate, who made his move at the top of the stretch as Wind Blown surged past Colegiala.
Wind Blown, a noted stretch runner, indeed spent his energy pressing the quick-starting Colegiala from the outside majority of the race and appeared to have little steam left when he seized the lead down the stretch.
Zarate and Phenomenal also got a lucky break when Dominador Borbe, Jr., atop Wind Blown, accidentally dropped his whip at the last bend for home, thus failing to draw the last surge from the massive-built favorite.
Phenomenal's lifetime earnings reached P4,224,055.76. — Ramon Romualdez