WINNER. Top favorite Jaguar (Dance City out of Delta Gold), handled by Jeffril Zarate, ruled the second leg of the PHP3.5 million Triple Crown Series at the Metro Manila Turf Club in Malvar, Batangas on June 11, 2023. The chestnut colt owned by former deputy speaker Juan Miguel "Mikey" Macapagal Arroyo beat first-leg winner La Trouppei to win the PHP2.1 million top prize in the event organized by the Philippine Racing Commission. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Racing Commission)
MANILA – Top favorite Jaguar (Dance City out of Delta Gold) had its moment of glory in the second leg of the Triple Crown Series after beating La Trouppei in the PHP3.5 million event organized by the Philippine Racing Commission (Philracom) at the Metro Manila Turf Club on Sunday.
Jaguar, a chestnut colt bred by Joseph Dyhengco and handled by Jeffril Zarate, was racing in third within striking distance of the speed duel between Going East and Easy Way in the first three quarters before making its move in the final 600 meters of the 1,800m contest to win by four lengths.
The Dante Salazar-trained galloper crossed the finish line in 1:51.8 with clips of 13'-23-23'-24'-27, to reward owner former deputy speaker Juan Miguel "Mikey" Macapagal Arroyo, the PHP2.1 million champion's purse.
First-leg winner La Trouppei received PHP700,000 for finishing second, followed by Secretary (PHP350,000) and Early Boating (PHP175,000).
Meanwhile, Easy Does It (Eagle Scout-Gabba Girl) rallied in the last quarter to rule the PHP1.5 million Hopeful Stakes race in 1:54 (13'-22'-24-26-28) over the 1800m distance.
Glamour Girle placed second, followed by Winner Parade and Badboy MJ.
In the PHP1 million 3YO Locally Bred Stakes race, Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos' Prime Billing (Top Billing out of Subprime bred by Mar Tirona) defeated Sky Story (Charge Now-Hookkaida) in 1:54.8 (14'-22'-23'-24'-29').
Keep Da Trick came in third while I Under Oath was fourth.
"First of all, congratulations to the winners and their connections in our three exciting events lined up this weekend. And secondly, thank you to the bayang karerista who braved the rains, some of which came here to Malvar, Batangas to witness the events firsthand," Philracom chair Reli de Leon said on Tuesday. (PNA)
