KL: 1st Leg Triple Crown sa Linggo!

KARERA LANG!  By Jenny Ortuoste for Tumbok,  16 May 2008, Friday

1st leg Triple Crown sa Linggo!

Para sa karamihan, litaw sa field ng 1st leg Philracom Triple Crown Championship Series sina Indelible Ink at Don Enrico.

Si “Tinta” ay namayagpag noong 2007 bilang 2YO. Siya ang nakakopo ng karamihan ng Philracom-sponsored races para sa juveniles, at napasakanya rin ang Philtobo Mitra Cup Juvenile Fillies trophy, ang Klub Don Juan de Manila counterpart race, at ang Philracom Juvenile Championship, kung saan nirematehan ni “Tinta” ang nagbanderang Don Enrico at nanalo pa ng limang kabayo, “pulling away”.

Napunta naman kay Don Enrico ang Philtobo Mitra Cup Juvenile Colts at ang katapat na karera ng MARHO Breeders’ Cup.

Ngunit itong taon, nadismaya ang fans ni Indelible Ink dahil parang nabawasan ang kanyang tulin at paremate powers. Tinalo siya ni Don Enrico sa dalawang stakes races - ang Chairman’s Cup at ang Aquamarine I Stakes, parehong sponsored ng Philracom.

Shining Fame with Patty Dilema up; Indelible Ink with Jeff Zarate, 2008

Sa Chairman’s Cup, ilong lang tinalo ni DE si Indelible Ink. Iginiit ng supporters ng huli na “naka-tsamba” lang daw si Don Enrico. Ngunit sa Aquamarine, tatlong kabayo ang panalo ni DE at tersero lang si Ink kay Imperial Ballet.

Ngunit ang lahat na iyan ay nakaraan na. Ang bawat karera ay parang bagong panimula. Kaya bang makabawi ni Indelible Ink? Ang mga advantages niya - kasali dito sa 1st leg Triple Crown ang kanyang stablemate na si Queen Elena, na maaring magsilbing panlucha kay DE upang pagurin ito, nang makaremate si Ink.

May maganda ring tuneup race sa CD 4-1AB si Ink noong May 2, kung saan ang dala niya ay 58 kg at tinalo ng walong kabayo si Don Alejandro, na kasali sa Hopeful stakes sa Linggo.

Nakapag-tuneup rin ng maganda noong May 3 si DE sa class-division, kung saan ang peso niya ay 56 kg at tinalo niya ng tatlong kabayo si Security Queen.

Ngunit maka-menos kaya DE ang pagpalit ang kanyang hinete? Mula kay John Alvin Guce na gumabay sa kanya mula’t-sapul, si Jonathan “Unoh” Hernandez na ang sasakay sa kanya sa Linggo sa San Lazaro Leisure Park.

Ayon kay Batikang Tipster, pabor daw ang pagpalit dahil “umentado sa hinete”. Dagdag pa niya, “Kay Don Enrico ako. Bago ako kumampi kay Indelible Ink, talunin niya muna ng dalawang beses sa stakes race si Don Enrico!”

Don Enrico with John Alvin Guce; Unopposed. 2008

Si Charming Announcer: “Indelible Ink. Maganda ang kundisyon niya ngayon.”

Respected Ex-Jockey: “My heart belongs to Don Enrico!”

Veteran Handicapper: “Kay Indelible Ink ako, kasi maganda ang prueba niya noong CD, 1:26.6 sa 1400 meters.”

Ako naman, manalo o matalo, kay Don Enrico. Distansiya na niya ang milya. Nasa magandang kundisyon siya, at tingin ko hindi namimili ng hinete dahil naipanalo ni John Cordero sa CD.

Kung makuha ni DE ang unahan, tingin ko makakabuo, kahit luchahin pa siya. Kung mauna naman ang sprinter na si Queen Elena, maaring sumunod lang si DE at magparemate sa far turn o rekta.  Kailangan lang maganda ang salida sa gate!

Kung kay DE man kayo o kay Ink, bigyan n’yo rin ng pansin dito sina Hieroglyphics at Shining Fame, na dumating ng cuarto sa Aquamarine I.

Samantala, ang milyang Hopeful Stakes race ay wide-open, anybody’s race. Pansinin diyan sina Anonymous (nanalo ng 2008 Aquamarine II stakes) at Arithmetic (nanalo ng 2007 MARHO Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies).

Triple Crown lang - walang personalan!   *** (Sorry, I have no photos of Hieroglyphics and Queen Elena yet)

KL: Seven-Day Racing, No More Na!

KARERA LANG!  By Jenny Ortuoste for Tumbok,  15 May 2008, Thursday

 Seven-Day Racing, No More Na!

Humiling kamakailan ang management ng Manila Jockey Club (MJC) ng pahintulot sa Philippine Racing Commission (Philracom) na mapa-extend ang seven-day-racing schedule sa San Lazaro Leisure Park (SLLP) racetrack ng MJC ng dalawa pang buwan.

 Natapos ang unang experimento ng seven-day racing noong huling raceweek sa SLLP.

Ayon sa MJC, malinaw raw na may mga magandang resulta ang seven-day racing. Nagkaroon daw ng lugar ang mga trainers at owners na dumiskarte o magpa-schedule ng kanilang mga takbo; tumaas raw ang benta; lumaki raw ang field size sa mga karera; at pabor sa mga mananaya na mas maaga silang nakakauwi tuwing Sabado at Linggo dahil bawas ang number of races sa mga araw na iyon (siyam, imbes iyong dating trese).

Sagot ng Philracom?  ”Denied”. Tinanggihan ng ahensiya na i-extend pa ang seven-day-racing schedule sa SLLP hangga’t hindi pa sila nakakagawa ng sarili nilang pagsusuri.

Mas mabuti nga kung gagawa ng sariling survey at analysis ang Philracom dahil mahirap tumanggap ng mga statements na walang konkretong basehan.    

Una, sa parte ng ilang owners at trainers: hindi raw “significant” sa kanila ang seven-day racing sa pagdiskarte dahil kahit six-days racing schedule, nakakagawa pa rin naman sila ng schedule na gusto nila. Ayaw pa nga nila ng buong linggong karera dahil paano raw mame-maintain ng ayos ang pista ng SLLP kung bugbog ito sa takbo araw-araw? May ensayo pa!

Pangalawa: bagamat tumaas nga ang benta ng MJC noong April 2008 (P373 million) kumpara sa March 2008 (P332 million), mas mababa pa ito sa kinita nila noong April 2007 (P387 million) at March 2007 (417 million).

Ikatlo: Lumaki ngang bigla ang field size noong umpisa ng seven-day racing, ngunit noong huli ay nag-”taper off” o bumalik na rin sa dati ang bilang ng sumasali sa bawat karera. At maaring may ibang dahilan sa paglaki ng field size - dahil sa nalalapit na paglipat ng Santa Ana Park sa Makati sa bago nitong karerahan sa Cavite, may ilang horseowners na ang naglipat ng kanilang kuwadra mula Makati sa SLLP.

Facade of the SLLP Casino; inside, wide glass windows overlook the racetrack at “Asia’s First Racino”.

Ikaapat: Mainam nga na mas maagang nakakauwi ang mga mananaya pag siyam na karera pag weekend; ngunit, nami-miss ng karamihan ang dalawang Winner-Take-All sets na mayroon kapag trese ang karera. Baka kaya hindi rin umangat ang benta ng MJC nitong March at April kumpara sa parehong panahon noong nakaraang taon, dahil nawala ang weekend WTA?

Ang nangyari pa nga nitong kasalukuyang raceweek ng MJC (May 13-18 ) na balik sa six-day racing, ay lumaki ang field size para sa karera ng Martes at Miyerkoles!

Ayon pa sa ilang raceday empleyado ng MJC, ayaw nga nila mismo ng seven-day racing dahil pareho lang o nabawasan pa raw ang kanilang net income! Pagod pa sila dahil pitong araw deretso ang trabaho kumpara sa dating anim.

Sa palagay ng ilan, kaya raw gusto ng MJC na matuloy ang seven-day racing ay para tauhin ang kanilang casino sa SLLP Turf Club. Napuna raw kasi ng mga taga-casino na mas dumarami ang mga players kapag araw ng karera.

Sa madaling salita - malamang daw na ang kagustuhan ng MJC na magkaroon ng seven-day racing schedule ay hindi para sa kapakanan ng karera o karerista, kundi para sa patuloy na profitability ng iba pang negosyo ng MJC sa SLLP Turf Club, tulad ng casino, restaurants, at function rooms.

Ito nga ba kaya ang dahilan?

Karera lang - walang personalan!   ***

THW: 1st Leg Triple Crown: Match Race?

THE HOARSE WHISPERER

by Jenny Ortuoste for Manila Standard-Today, 14 May 2008, Wednesday

1^st Leg Triple Crown: Match Race?

“It’s a match race between Don Enrico and Indelible Ink!”

That’s what most analysts are saying about the first leg of this year’s Triple Crown Championship series, which kicks off on Sunday, May 18, at San Lazaro Leisure Park.

Sponsored by the Philippine Racing Commission (Philracom), each leg has a total of P3 million in prizes , with P1.8 million going to the winner, and the rest allotted to the second to fourth placers.

Coming close on the heels of the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness stakes - legs one and two of the US counterpart - the local Triple Crown will see another seismic battle between Don Enrico and Indelible Ink, currently the top 3YO in the land.

Not to discount the other entries in this race, but these two are highly-regarded for very compelling reasons. First, Indelible Ink. The island-born filly by Best of Luck out of Seaquin was valedictorian of their juvenile batch and dominated most of the Philracom 2YO stakes races in 2007, also winning the Philtobo Juvenile Fillies stakes.

Don Enrico (Wind Blown-Kayumanggi), on the other hand, acquitted himself reasonably well last year. Although fewer runs earned him less in gross prizes than Indelible Ink, he still garnered his share of championships, notably the MARHO Breeders’ Cup and the Philtobo Juvenile Colts stakes.

This year so far has seen him mature considerably in skills and attitude, besting archrival Indelible Ink in two stakes races - Philracom’s Chairman’s Cup and the Aquamarine I stakes.

Indelible Ink’s supporters say that the first loss to Don Enrico was a fluke, when the latter won the Chairman’s Cup by a long nose. Her second defeat, however, was decisive, coming in a mere third in the Aquamarine I which Don Enrico won by three lengths, Imperial Ballet coming in second.

In this mile-long Triple Crown first leg, fans are concerned with the change of Don Enrico’s rider, from regular John Alvin Guce, to hotshot veteran Jonathan B. Hernandez. The young and talented Guce is deemed to know Don Enrico’s quirks and foibles better, having ridden the gutsy colt in all his sorties until late. Others claim that Hernandez will do a better job (”umentado sa hinete“), being a Class A jockey with dozens of stakes races under his belt.

Don Enrico has other foes to face in this race. Queen Elena, a stablemate of Indelible Ink, is expected to act as a “rabbit” to tire Don Enrico out during the journey, allowing a well-conditioned Indelible Ink to pace herself and come from behind. Hieroglyphics’ chances must not be discounted. Shining Fame came in fourth in the Aquamarine I and stands a good chance at scoring an upset, as does Unopposed.

Don Enrico, Indelible Ink, Shining Fame, and Unopposed at the parade of the Philracom Chairman’s Cup (24 Feb 2008, SLLP)

While this event is being touted as a match race - and it could well be - neither of the two main contenders can be said to have a sure chance. But if pressed to the mat, I’m going to say, “Don Enrico” for this one. With all the factors seemingly against him, this colt has the heart of a champion and the will to win. ***

KL: Dream Cross, Longshot Winner!

KARERA LANG!  By Jenny Ortuoste for Tumbok,  13 May 2008, Tuesday

 Dream Cross, longshot winner!

 Longshot ang nanalo ng ikatlong New Philippine Jockeys’ Association (NPJA) Jockeys’ Day Cup noong May 11 sa Santa Ana Park. Banderang tapos si Dream Cross, lulan ni Dominador H. Borbe Jr.

Noong nakuha nito ang unahan, hindi na niya ito binitiwan hanggang meta. Nanalo pa ito ng apat na kabayo at pulling away pa! Kahit anong habol ang gawin nina Music King at Pali, hindi umubra ang kanilang diskarte sa magandang pinakita ni Dream Cross, na pangitang nasa magandang kundisyon ngayon.

Sumegundo kay Dream Cross si Music King, tersero si Pali, cuarto si Chariot of Fire, at huling dumating si Itza Lemon. Scratched si Material Ruler bago magsimula ang karera.

Naglaan ang sponsor na Philippine Racing Commission (Philracom) ng P250,000 guaranteed gross prize dito, kaya congratulations sa may-ari, WT Tan; trainer, Ruben S. Tupas; at kay jockey Borbe.

At the awarding ceremony: PRC EVP-COO Atty. Mon Ereñeta Jr., Philracom chairman Atty. Joy Rojas, Angelo Vacal, NPJA director Joey Macaraig, NPJA president Domingo Vacal, winning jockey DH Borbe Jr., muses Manilyn Baltao and Jyle Geronimo, winning trainer Ruben S. Tupas, NPJA directors Teddy Bolante, Jaja Ladiana, and Angelito Laguinto (photo by Shirley Jaime)

 Ang karerang ito ay bahagi ng 3rd NPJA Jockeys’ Day races, na sumakop ng sampu mula sa treseng nasa programa para sa araw na iyon. Ito’y charity event para sa kapakanan ng mga disabled jockeys.

“Very successful ang event,” masayang kuwento ni NPJA president Domingo G. Vacal. “Bukod sa nakalikom ng pondo para sa mga disabled na hinete, napakaganda ng pagka-handicap ng mga karera. Nagkaroon ng two winners sa unang set ng Winner-Take-All, na nag-grose ng P5 million, at one winner naman sa second WTA na may groseng P2 million. Ibig sabihin, fair at walang patukan ang naging handicapping ng Philippine Racing Club.”

Ayon din kay Vacal, “Doon sa proceeds ng mga karera, 80% noon ay itatabi sa disabled jockeys’ fund ng NPJA, at 20% naman ang itutulong kina Constantino Bernabe, Jesus Guce, at Elpidio S. Aguila.

“Ang tatlong hineteng ito ay nahulog sa actual races. Si Bernabe ay ang unang na-disable na hinete, nagkadiperensiya siya sa balakang. Si Guce naman, naka-wheelchair dati, pero ngayon medyo maganda na ang kondisyon, nakakalakad na ng kaunti. Ang pinakamalala ay si Aguila, na comatose pa rin.

“Maraming salamat sa lahat ng mga sponsors; dahil sa kanilang suporta, matutulungan ang mga hineteng ito.”

Pinaliwanag ni Vacal na continuous ang pangangailangan ng suporta para sa mga hineteng ito, kaya walang tigil ang fundraising ng NPJA. “Hopefully,” aniya, “mayroong may magmamagandang-loob na mag-sponsor ng NPJA Special Race sa loob ng taon ito, dahil noong 2006, tatlong beses kaming nagpakarera.”

Congratulations sa NPJA at sa lahat ng mga hinete sa kanilang matagumpay na event!

Sa ibang balita naman: heto ang mga declared entries at ang kanilang mga hinete para sa 1st leg Triple Crown Stakes at Hopeful Stakes na  gaganapin sa May 18, San Lazaro Leisure Park:

1st leg TC, 1600 meters: Don Enrico, JB Hernandez; Hieroglyphics, KB Abobo; Indelible Ink, JT Zarate; Queen Elena, MF Daquis; Shining Fame, JB Guce; at Unopposed, JA Guce.

 Hopeful, 1,600 meters: Angel Dugo, JG Tinte; Anonymous, JT Zarate; Arithmetic, PR Dilema; Bohemian Dave, JB Guce; Champion of Snow, VR Dilema; Don Alejandro, JB Cordero; Love Story, FM Raquel Jr.; Luna Rossa, DH Borbe Jr.; at Makisig, JB Hernandez.

Karera lang - walang personalan!   ***  

Philracom Stakes: Jan to April 2008

PHILRACOM STAKES RACES in REVIEW,  January to April 2008

Following the revamp of Philracom leadership at the start of this year, a revised schedule for Philracom-sponsored stakes races has been drawn up that is more balanced and spreads the prize money over more groups, benefitting a greater number of participants than previously.

 As a result, the turnout for the first trimester’s races were quite high and of top quality, attracting the attention of a greater number of racing fans. Especially interesting was the revival of the “gemstone” nomenclature for the stakes, a tradition which hearkens back to the ‘80s and ’90s.  

Here’s a recap of the Philracom stakes races held from January to April this year, which could be useful as a guide for handicapping the upcoming 1st leg Philracom Triple Crown stakes race on May 18 at San Lazaro Leisure Park. The 2nd leg (June 22) and 3rd leg (July 20) will be run at Santa Ana Park.

(Note: The Amethyst II, which was to have been held at Santa Ana Park on February 17, was cancelled due to lack of entries.)

 GARNET I

Philracom kicked off its racing calendar with the Garnet Stakes I, moved from its initial date of January 6 to January 20, and held at Santa Ana Park. Also termed the first leg of the Imported-Local Challenge Series, the Garnet I set local and imported thoroughbreds in head-to-head competition over 1600 meters.

 First out of the gate was the speedy Bumble Bee, champion of the 14 October 2007 Philracom Imported-Local Sprint. Rolling along in second was veteran racemare Wild Orchid, while further along behind her were Aly Dancer, Sweet Xarah, Midnight King, and Fierce Fighter, with Zoe’s Lass trailing the group.

Aly Dancer and DH Borbe come home winners; out of the gate, Bumble Bee takes the lead

 Wild Orchid made her move at the far turn, with Aly Dancer stepping up her pace to grab second: Sweet Xarah took third while Fierce Fighter rallied from the back to gain fourth position. Down the stretch, the four horses battled it out but a strong outside rally from Aly Dancer swept her past the struggling Wild Orchid for the win in a close finish.

 Aly Dancer (Belong To Me - Sun Alert) posted a time of 1:39, with quarters of 25-23′-24-26′. The first prize of P 300,000 went to connections - owner Franchino Pamintuan, trainer Philbert de los Santos, and jockey Dominador H. Borbe Jr. Second placer Wild Orchid settled for P112,500, Sweet Xarah took P62,500 for third, and Fierce Fighter P25,000 for fourth.  ***

GARNET II

The Garnet II, for local 4YO and up, was held 27 January at San Lazaro Leisure Park (SLLP), and saw track icon Real Spicy edge out classy runners Manhattan and Native Land, the 2007 PCSO Presidential Gold Cup winner, in a hotly-contested fight over a mile.

Real Spicy is a blur at the finish: jockey Jeff Zarate receives his award from Philracom’s Dr. Romy Buencamino, as Manila Jockey Club VP-Racing Adm Juan A de Leon witnesses

 Real Spicy bagged the first prize of P300,000 for owner Herminio S. Esguerra. The chestnut son of American champion Real Quiet out of broodmare Spicy Tale clocked a time of 1:39 for the race, with splits of 24-24-24-27.

 AMETHYST I

The Amethyst I at SLLP was a revelation, with Real Spicy scoring a repeat despite carrying an oppressive handicap weight of 60 kg.  His victory cemented his reputation as a mile specialist, as he handily defeated his Class 2 rivals who struggled to keep up with his scalding pace.

Taste that sizzling Real Spicy-Jeff Zarate combo! Jeff takes his trophy from Philracom chairman Atty. Joy Rojas, trainer Nestor Manalang in the background

On the strength of his convincing win in the Garnet II, bettors laid heavy odds on Real Spicy to win, sending him off as the top favorite. Breaking cleanly out of the gate with jockey Jeffril Zarate aboard, Real Spicy took the lead with far second choice Chariot of Fire (hard-pressed to cope with 57 kg) just behind him. The rest of the field - Kayang-Kaya, Alexis Magic, and Lord of All - struggled to keep up.

 But in the stretch, all the rest faded, allowing Real Spicy to win wire-to-wire by seven lengths, clocking 26′-24-24′-26′ for a total time of 1:41.8 to bag the first place purse of P300,000.

PHILRACOM CHAIRMAN’S CUP

This 1500-meter race for 3YO local-breds is one of those along the “Road to the Triple Crown”, serving informally as a benchmark race to gauge the capabilities of those in that age-group. It’s where connections and fans determine which horses are truly qualified to compete in the Triple Crown championship series.

One of the racing calendar’s richest races, with a total of P 2 million in prize money, the race was held on February 24 at SLLP. It set rivals Indelible Ink (Best of Luck - Seaquin) facing off against Don Enrico (Wind Blown - Kayumanggi) and seven other tenacious racehorses.

The race honoree was former Philracom chairman and now Philippine ambassador to Mexico Antonio M. Lagdameo, who was represented at the awarding ceremonies by his sons Cong. Anton Lagdameo and Emmanuel Lagdameo.

When the gates opened for the 2008 Philracom Chairman’s Cup, speedster Security Queen took point, followed by Don Enrico a little over a length behind. Indelible Ink was three lengths back in third. Behind her raced Imperial Ballet, Shining Fame, Anonymous, Unopposed, Bohemian Dave, and Diamond Duchess.

 Security Queen was still in front at the 5/8 mile, 2-1/2 lengths ahead of Don Enrico, while Indelible Ink took third. Imperial Ballet maintained fourth position. Into the backstretch, the frontrunner faded, letting Don Enrico grab the lead. Indelible Ink took second by the rail, with Imperial Ballet in third.

Who can forget the dramatic Indelible Ink - Don Enrico battle down the stretch? We also need more good-looking award presentors such as Lagdameo brothers Emmanuel and Anton. Here, Emmanuel hands the trophy to jockey John Alvin Guce.

 Down the stretch, Don Enrico battled it out with Indelible Ink for the win. The latter kicked in with extra energy close to the wire, but her effort was futile. Don Enrico held on to win by a nose.

 Total time for the race was 1:32, with quarters of 17′-24-24-26′. From the total P2 million in prizes, Don Enrico took home P1.2 million, Indelible Ink P450,000 for second place, Imperial Ballet PP250,000 for third, and Anonymous P100,000 for fourth. Breeder Herma Farms and Stud received the P70,000 Breeder’s Prize.

 

 PHILRACOM COMMISSIONER’S CUP

It was Real Spicy’s turn once more to shine, in this race held in honor of former Philracom commissioner Felizardo R. Sevilla Jr. For local 4YO and older, this race was a challenging 1800 meters with a generous total prize of P1.2 million for first to fourth places.

 Held March 2 at Santa Ana Park, Real Spicy handed in a pungent performance, breaking third from last in the field of eight runners and rallying to win by an astonishing five lengths. As in the Garnet II, the chestnut’s winning ways relegated Manhattan once more to second place. Time for the race was 1:52.6, with splits of 14-22-25-25-26′.

 

AQUAMARINE I

Set last March 9 at SLLP, this mile race was a grudge match between arch-rivals Don Enrico and Indelible Ink.

 Despite winning the Chairman’s Cup by a long nose last February 24, Don Enrico was a mere second in the sales, with Indelible Ink still the favorite in this race restricted to local-bred 3YO.

Champions face off: John Alvin Guce is serious; Jeff Zarate is cheerful; the grooms aren’t sure they want to have their picture taken; the horses…well, who knows what they’re really thinking?

 A good break out of the gate had Don Enrico taking front position. Behind him came Imperial Ballet, Balabushka, Pandemonium, Indelible Ink, Anonymous, Unopposed, and Shining Fame.

 At the 5/8, Don Enrico led by three, and Indelible Ink had caught up to second, with Imperial Ballet keeping pace beside her, followed by Balabushka and Anonymous. Indelible Ink stepped it up in the backstretch and began to gain on Don Enrico, with Imperial Ballet just a length in back.

At the far turn, Don Enrico and Indelible Ink took the curve almost as one, with Imperial Ballet putting on pressure on the outside. Indelible Ink struggled gamely at the rail, but at the wire, it was still Don Enrico banderang tapos by two lengths, Imperial Ballet second, Indelible Ink third, and Shining Fame fourth. Quarters were 24-23′-24′-27′ for a total time of 1:39.8.

 

AQUAMARINE II

Anonymous finally came into her own in this stakes race, which featured local-bred runners from Classes 4-1A and 4-1B. Another mile battle at Santa Ana Park, the March 16 mile race saw the likes of Sound of Silence (coupled entry of Anonymous), EJ’s Magic, Kai Jason, Kalookan’s Pride, Nothing Impossible, and Quant Je Puis stepping up to the plate for a showdown.

 EJ’s Magic was sent off as the favorite, Anonymous as the mere second choice. But the action was fast and furious; when the smoke cleared, it was Anonymous at the wire.

 

DIAMOND I

Don Enrico proved to be too good for the other chargers in the Diamond I at SLLP last April 6. Another mile race featuring 3YO local-breds, it was another academic exercise for the son of champion Wind Blown, who had an easier time with his nemesis Indelible Ink out of the picture.   

Going up against Euromax, Love Story, Prime Zone, Prying Eyes, and Shining Fame, Don Enrico broke well and immediately set a three-length gap between himself and Love Story. Behind them came Euromax, Shining Fame, Prying Eyes, and Prime Zone. Shining Fame rallied gamely in the backstretch to take second, but by then Don Enrico had stretched his lead to five lengths.

We just can’t get enough of Don Enrico!

 At the far turn, Shining Fame started to make his move, and by the home turn had whittled down Don Enrico’s advantage to two lengths. But still the classy colt held on to the front position, never letting it go until the wire, still a good two lengths in front of second-placer Shining Fame. Love Story came in third, while Euromax was fourth.

 Don Enrico clocked a total of 1:40 for his wire-to-wire win, with quarters of 25-24′-24′-26.

 

 DIAMOND II

It was a challenge match, they said, between Real Spicy and imported hotshot Drama Belle in this race which was also the 2^nd leg of the Imported-Local Challenge series. Held at Santa Ana Park on April 13, the 1600-meter race was considered a shoo-in for mile specialist Real Spicy.

 Real Spicy climbed to the top of the sales charts in this race, with bettors putting Drama Belle in second. When the entries were released from the gate, Real Spicy took the lead, followed by Mr. Victor, Mercurio, and others; Drama Belle was in sixth, caught in traffic.

 At the 5/8, sprinter Bumble Bee was running in first. Surprisingly, longshot Mercurio was a close second, with Sweet Xarah in third, Real Spicy in fourth, followed by the rest of the field including Manhattan, Drama Belle, Mr. Victory, Midnight King, La Tienne, Fierce Fighter, and Great Emma.

 At the backstretch, Mercurio took the lead, followed closely by Drama Belle, who at the far turn passed Mercurio in a quick-stepping rally for domination, with Sweet Xarah and Manhattan racing along behind them.

 Coming down the stretch, Drama Belle seemed to have it in the bag, but she swerved out into the path of the rallying La Tienne. Mercurio, who had a clear path in front of him, broke the bank with his longshot win, clocking a total time of 1:40, with quarters of 25′-24-23′-27.

 Drama Belle and La Tienne hit the wire at almost the same time, requiring a photo-finish decision for second place. Drama Belle was the winner in the photo, but for swerving out, she was disqualified and relegated to third behind La Tienne.  Another longshot, Sweet Xarah, came in fourth.   ***

KL: 3rd Jockeys’ Day sa Linggo!

KARERA LANG!  By Jenny Ortuoste for Tumbok,  9 May 2008, Friday

3rd Jockeys’ Day sa Linggo!

Lalarga na sa May 11, Linggo, ang ikatlong yugto ng New Philippine Jockeys’ Association Inc. (NPJA) Jockeys’ Day racing festival sa Santa Ana Park! Tiyak na exciting ang mga karera nito, lalo’t ito’y binuo ng nag-iisang organisasyon ng professional jockeys sa bansa.

Sampu ang pakakawalang karera sa piyestang ito. Ang highlight race ay ang 3rd NPJA Inc. Jockeys’ Day Cup na may guaranteed gross prizes ng P250,000 sponsored by the Philippine Racing Commission (Philracom). Mayroon pang pamimigay na tropeo sa mananalong owner, trainer, hinete, at pati sota (groom).

Magkakaroon din ng walong NPJAI Special Races. Ang lima nito ay sponsored ng host racing club, ang Philippine Racing Club (PRC). Tig-P160,000 ang nakalaan na guaranteed gross prizes dito.

Doon sa nalalabing tatlong special races, mayroong tig-P10,000 na added prize, mula sa Metropolitan Association of Race Horse Owners (MARHO), Klub Don Juan de Manila (KDJM), at Ping-Ping’s Lechon.

Ngunit hindi lang iyon, meron pa! Nag-sponsor ang mga horseowners na sina George Lazarte at Bonifacio Mantilla ng isang Apprentice Jockeys’ Special Race. May added prize na P10,000, at karagdagang P3,000 money incentives at medal sa winning jockey.

Unang beses ito na magkakaroon nitong Apprentice Race bilang bahagi ng Jockeys’ Day festival. Tuwang-tuwa raw ang kasalukuyang batch ng apprentices dahil may espesyal na karera na para sa kanila lamang.

Correct me if I’m wrong, pero sa pagka-alala ko, isa pa lang ang apprentice race na natupad; ito’y noong 2002 or 2003 sa Santa Ana Park, at ang nanalo pa nga noon ay si Annalyn Reloto. Hindi ko na maalala kung sino ang sponsor noon, pero masaya ang event na iyon dahil nagkaroon pa nga ng turnover ceremony sa broadcast (Pro-Ads pa noon), kung saan iniabot ng trainer sa apprentice ang diviza na kanilang gagamitin.

Naging taunang tradisyon na ang Jockeys’ Day races, na pinaka-aabangan ng mga karerista dahil iniidolo naman ng karamihan ang mga hinete na, bukod sa kabayo, ay siyang mga “superstar” sa larong ito.

Ngunit ang pakarerang ito ay hindi pang-entertainment lamang. May mas malalim at mahalagang layunin ito. Ayon kay NPJA president Domingo G. Vacal, ang Jockeys’ Day races ay charity event.

“Ang mga proceeds,” aniya, “na magmumula sa racing festival na ito ay mapupunta sa mga disabled na hinete at iyong mga may malubhang sakit. Malaking bagay ang tulong na binibigay ng iba’t-ibang sektor ng industriya, at lubos ang pasasalamat namin sa kanila.”

Dagdag ni Vacal, ” Inaanyayahan namin ang Bayang Karerista na manood at suportahan ang mga karerang ito, na para naman sa ikabubuti ng mga nangangailangang hinete.”

Pinasasalamatan ng NPJA ang kanilang sponsors: Chairman Atty. Joy Rojas at Commissioners ng Philracom; Executive Vice-President and COO Atty. Ramon Ereñeta at Racing Manager Dan Valmonte ng PRC; Mayor Benhur Abalos, MARHO president, at ang mga Directors ng MARHO; Jun Almeda, KDJM president at ang mga directors nito; Ping-Ping’s Lechon management; Mayor Isagani Pascual; at horseowners Hermie Esguerra, Boy Mantilla, George Lazarte, at Tek Heng Chua.

Karera lang - walang personalan!   ***  

Most photos by Roel Taripe; Photoshop collage by gogirlracing

KL: Magic Millions P1 Million Pakarera!

KARERA LANG!  By Jenny Ortuoste for Tumbok,  8 May 2008, Thursday

 Magic Millions P1 million pakarera!

 Masaya ang Magic Millions networking function noong Lunes sa South Forbes, Makati. Ang Magic Millions (MM) ay isang auction house o bentahan ng mga thoroughbred na kabayo sa Australia, at ayon sa kanilang managing director, si Mr. David Chester, sa Hunyo na ang yearly National Sale sa Gold Coast, Queensland, na siyang paboritong puntahan ng mga Pilipinong mamimili.

Kabilang sa mga nagsipagdalo ay ang mga horseowners na sina David Lee, Bobby Yutadco, Ramon Balatbat, Bayani Coching, Raymund Puyat, Sonny Arevalo, Manny Santos, at iba pa. Si Mr. Santos ang isa sa biggest clients ng MM sa dami ng kanyang binibiling kabayo sa Australia, at inaasahan niyang makakakuha siya ng iba pang kabayo sa National Sale na makaka-palakas at palaki ng kanyang racing stable at breeding operation, ang Jade Bros. Farm.

Ipinakilala naman ni Australian Trade Commissioner Ross Bray sa mga prospective Filipino buyers ang Australian ambassador, His Excellency Rod Smith, na bago pa lamang nanunungkulan sa puesto.

Ang Magic Millions ay kinikilalang “source of champions”, tulad ni Sebring, winner ng Golden Slipper Stakes noong April 19 sa Australia. Ang Golden Slipper ay ang pinakamalaking juvenile race sa mundo. Si Sebring ay nabili ng kanyang may-ari ng $130,000; sa ngayon ay kumita na siya ng $1.2 million, at dahil maganda ang record (undefeated sa apat na takbo), ang halaga niya ay sinasabing nasa $15 million na. Ngayon raw ay puede na siyang mag-retiro at maging isang istalyon.

Australia’s star juvenile of 2008, Sebring, winning the Golden Slipper stakes at Rosehill, April 19.

Bagamat mataas para sa karamihan ng mga Pinoy horseowners ang presyo ni Sebring noong ibinenta siya, naroon pa rin ang pag-asa na sana, ang isang mabili nila sa Magic Millions auction ay maging super-champion rin tulad ni Sebring.

Bukod sa mga anunsiyo tungkol sa darating na sale, binaggit ni Mr. Chester na mag-ii-sponsor ang Magic Millions ng isang malaking karera bilang suporta sa industriya ng karerang Pilipino na isa sa kanilang pinakamalaking kliyente. “We’ll take care of the one million pesos prize money,” ani Mr. Chester. “We just ask that the race be held preferably in late September or early October.”

Magandang balita ito, dahil mayroon na naman tayong aabangang malaking karera. Ang tanong lang - sino ang mag-aasikaso nito? Saang pista gaganapin? Paano ang handicapping? Wish ko lang, walang mapaboran sa pag-diskarte sa karerang ito. As in, “Gawan natin si (blank) ng karera…” para kanya ang kumikislap na premyo. I’ve heard that song before…kaya palitan na ang plakang ‘yan, ‘noh!

Suhestiyon lamang: bakit hindi ang Magic Millions stakes ay gawing open to MM graduates?  Sa ganitong eligibility, mabibigyan ng incentive ang mga imported horses, at ng suporta ang sponsor na isang supplier ng imports.

Karera lang - walang personalan!  ***

THW: Aussie Horse Sale Beckons

THE HOARSE WHISPERER

By Jenny Ortuoste for Manila Standard-Today,  7 May 2008, Wednesday

 Aussie Horse Sale Beckons

WITH THE local racehorse population at a perennial low due in part to the high cost and meager supply of locally-born thoroughbreds, racehorse owners and new players constantly look to importation as an affordable and quick solution to the problem of acquiring horses for the game.

While American pedigrees are considered covetable, the huge expenses involved not only in the purchase but also in the transport of horses from the United States prohibit heavy sourcing from that country.

Since the ‘70s, local buyers have been procuring quality bloodstock from Australia. There are so many positive factors for this - affordable cost, low freight, and good pedigrees. A runner can be bought for as low as Aus$5,000, with air freight rates at about US$1,500. (There is also an import tax of P50,000 per horse.)

Among the most well-attended auctions are that of the Magic Millions (www.magicmillions.com.au), which will be having their annual National Sale from May 27 to June 13. Over 2,500 horses are in the catalogue - weanlings, broodmares, and yearlings.

Aerial view of the Magic Millions Gold Coast facility and environs.

Among the impeccable lineages on the block are of notable sires Choisir, Dehere,  Encosta de Lago, Exceed and Excel, Fasliyev, Flying Spur, Hussonet, King Cugat, Rock of Gibraltar, Royal Academy, Street Cry, Tale of the Cat, Zabeel, and many others.

Magic Millions managing director David Chester, in town to promote the sale, said at a networking function last Monday that the usual discounts and benefits extended to eligible Filipino buyers will be once more available - complimentary accommodations at the Gold Coast, Queensland, venue; ringside dining at the sale; all sale and airport transfers; and passes to a Magic Millions-hosted dinner, among others.

“We are sure,” said Mr. Chester, “that all those interested will find horses within their price range at this auction. We recommend the Broodmare Sale on June 5 to 6 and the Yearling Sale on June 15 to 16 as the most attractive for Philippine clients.”

He added that Magic Millions will sponsor a million-peso race in late September or early October to show support for Philippine racing.

David Chester and Senior Australian Trade Commissioner Ross Bray; horseowners Raymund Puyat, Ramon Balatbat, David Lee, and Manny Santos at the Magic Millions networking function, 5 May 2008, Makati

Magic Millions is highly respected as a source for champions. Sebring, the winner of this year’s Golden Slipper stakes in Australia, the world’s richest juvenile race, is a Magic Millions graduate. Purchased for $130,000, he has earned over $2.1 million in prize money. Undefeated after four runs, this juvenile’s successes have boosted his value to an estimated $15 million.

According to Philippine Racing Commission records, 108 thoroughbred horses were imported from Australia last year, 21 from the United States, and three from New Zealand. In contrast, a total of 582 thoroughbreds were born on local ranches in 2007.

Attrition and accidents ensure that not all of those horses foaled will make it to the racetrack, much less embark upon a career. With a working racehorse population hovering at 900 to 1,200 at any given time and with races held year-round, six days a week, horses are urgently needed to fill the racecards, draw spectators, and sustain the industry.

As the breeding industry slowly gets into gear, importation is the fastest and most cost-effective way for new players to enter the game and for present owners to augment their stables. Racing officials would do well to support importation while at the same time boosting local breeding efforts. Incentives such as stakes races for imports with generous prize money would encourage more people to enter the sport, ensuring the continuous growth of local horseracing. ***