Nuclear Bomb one victory shy from sweeping Triple Crown

NUCLEAR Bomb detonated another explosive finishing kick to rule the Second Leg of the Philippine Triple Crown on Sunday at the Metro Manila Turf Club in Malvar, Batangas.

Nuclear Bomb, sired by Oh Oh Seven out of Hayley Rebecca and bred by sportsman Hermie Esguerra, held off Kaparkan Falls at the wire to move one win shy of sweeping the prestigious Triple Crown.

Gabriel Gaerlan’s prized possession who’s trained by Conrado “Dodek” Vicente bided his time at the back of the pack in the early goings until the 3/8-mile pole where apprentice jockey Pabs Cabalejo ordered his mount to drive for the win.

As the runners hit the turn for home, Nuclear Bomb literally exploded to grab the lead with Kaparkan Falls in tow.

A one-on-one battle ensued between the two in the last 100 meters with Nuclear Bomb sprinting to a half-length victory with an impressive clocking of one minute and 51 seconds (13-22-2324-27) over the 1,800-meter race to give his connections the top prize of P2.1 million and the imposing Ramon Orlina-designed trophy.

Kaparkan Falls’ connections settled for the runner-up prize of P700,000.

Rounding out the top six finishers were the late-charging Kevlar (P350,000), Gusto Mucho (P175,000), War Cannon (P105,000) and Hook On D Run (P70,000). Esguerra received the P175,000 breeder’s prize.

Nuclear Bomb goes for a Triple Crown sweep on October 3 at the Philippine Racing Club in Naic, Cavite. The race is set for 2.000 meters.