What A Spell in magic win

Far second choice What A Spell ran like a well-oiled machine yesterday to post a three-length victory in the Philracom Sampaguita stakes race at the Sta. Ana Park.

What A Spell, ridden by Class A jockey DH Borbe, won the 1,800-meter race in a minute 54.6 seconds (14’-22-25’-25-27). Halo Effect, Golden Ballet and Magical Mark, this year’s Triple Crown headliners, came in next in that order.

Since winning the first leg of the Triple Crown, Golden Ballet continued to grope for form as the three-year-old filly came out of the starting gate as the clear favorite who failed to win a race for the third straight time. — R. Romualdez