IN The Zone—owned by former professional basketball player Paolo Mendoza—ran a near flawless race to rule the Philippine Racing Commission (Philracom) Open Invitational Race for Imports and Locals last Sunday at the Metro Manila Turf Club in Malvar, Batangas.
At the final turn for home it was evident that there was no denying In The Zone and apprentice jockey Mark Lanot the victory booked in one minute and 51.40 seconds (14-23′-24-23′-26′) and worth the top prize of P300,000.
The start of the race saw a fierce head-to-head battle between In The Zone (Eurozone out of Woongara) and AP Factor, a duel which lasted for the better part of the 1,800-meter journey.
But Lanot showed the poise of a seasoned veteran and doused the pressure thrown at him and his mount by multi-titled Jesse “Midas Touch” Guce on board AP Factor.
Second place went to fourth choice Sudden Impact, third to Joyous Solution, fourth to Dragon Butterfly, fifth to Tony’s Love and sixth to Isla Puting Bato.
The Anakalusugan Partylist was the beneficiary for the event.