September 2008

Crowds filled the stands to witness five action-packed stakes races today at Santa Ana Park.

The Philippine Racing Commission sponsored two charity stakes races as part of its socio-civic program, benefiting scholars from the Paco Catholic School and St. Pius X School.

Both schools are located in the fifth district of Manila, bailiwick of horseman Cong. Amado Bagatsing.

The Paco Catholic School race was won by Hard Way (Pay Per View-Island Mist), while the Pius X race went to Dona Marucha (Thunder Vic-Malipayon). Both horses are local-breds running in class-division 4-6A to 4-7B.

L-R: Cong. Amado Bagatsing; Dr. Hilario of Paco Catholic; representative of Hard Way owner RC Tanyag; trainer Dodoy Mamaril; Fr. Ed Ulloa of Paco Catholic School; Philracom chairman Atty. Joy Rojas

Philracom chairman Rojas and commissioners Atty. Vic Tantoco and Boboc Domingo; Dona Marucha trainer Jerry Cruz and jockey Jericho Serrano

Three other stakes races were sponsored by Magic Millions Thoroughbred Sales of Australia. Managing Director David Chester flew into Manila to attend the event, where he was joined by Australian Trade Commission senior trade commissioner Ross Bray.

The MM-3YO Colts Cup mile was won by outstanding favorite Lim Expensive Toys, who left his opponents ten lengths behind as he showed his speed under the guidance of jockey John Alvin Guce. Owner Roland Lim had purchased the colt, sired by Giant’s Causeway out of Prophet’s Kiss, in an MM sale last year at the Gold Coast. He clocked 1:41 with splits of 25′-24-24-27′.

In the MM-3YO Fillies Cup mile, Blind Date clocked 1:41 to grab the title.

But it was left to an older horse to show a better performance in the MM-4YO & Older Horses Cup, also a 1600-meter race. Midnight King, a 4YO by King Cugat out of Midnight Nova and winner of the 2007 British Cup, posted quarters of 25′-24-23′-27 for a total 1:40 to give owner Pierre Niles another win.

Austrade Senior Commissioner Ross Bray, Magic Millions Managing Director David Chester, horseowner Nonoy Niles representing his son Pierre Niles, trainer Jose Clor, jockey Val Dilema, and Philippine Racing Club racing manager Dan Valmonte

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According to the Philippine Racing Commission’s Handicapping Department, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office’s 2YO Special Maiden Race (formerly known as the “Sweepstakes Race”) originally set for Sunday, September 28, at Santa Ana Park, is cancelled.

What About Andee and Gigolo Jay were withdrawn from the race yesterday, leaving only Queen Alyssa and Security Magic in the lineup. Since PCSO handicapping rules require “three to run”, the race cannot be held.

Saturday at Santa Ana Park will feature special races – three Magic Millions sponsored races and two charity races sponsored by the Philracom.

Sunday will see the running of the Keeneland Stakes over a mile. It features Es Twenty Six carrying the heaviest handicap of 56kg. Also running is 2007 PCSO Presidential Gold Cup and 2008 Triple Crown 3rd leg winner Shining Fame with 54kg.

Going up against these champions are 2YO Eternal Flame, Go Army, Wind Power, Frozen Margarita, Nuclear Power (winner of the 2nd leg Philracom Juvenile Fillies Stakes), and Shut Up, as well as older horses Pearl Buck, Tiger Song, and multiple stakes winner Indelible Ink.

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KARERA LANG!  By Jenny Ortuoste for Tumbok,  26 September 2008, Friday

“Larga Na!”

Minsan mahirap i-explika sa mga walang alam o walang hilig sa karera kung bakit mahal na mahal nating karerista ang larong ito.

Paano mo ilalarawan sa kanila ang lukso ng dugo, ang tibok ng dibdib, na nararamdaman pag bukas ng aparato at lundag ng sampung kabayo halos sabay-sabay?

Paano ipapadama sa kanila ang saya at ligayang bumubuhay sa saloobin kapag tumatakbo na ang mga kalahok paikot sa pista, ang kanilang mga paa pumapadyak at kumakamot sa buhangin na sumasaboy sa mukha ng kanilang mga hinete na magara at makulay ang suot na diviza, puno ng konsentrasyon sa pagrerenda at pamamalo?

Paano ibabahagi sa kanila na hindi na tayo paaawat sa panonood ng larong ito, na habambuhay na itong may lugar sa ating puso?

Ang isang paraan kung paano ipinahihiwatig ng tao ang emosyon ay sa pamamagitan ng sining tulad ng musika. At ito ang behikulong ginamit ng Philippine Racing Commission upang ipakita sa mundo kung gaano kasaya ang aksiyon sa karera.

Nagpagawa ang Philracom ng music video na unang itatanghal mamayang gabi sa live racing coverage ng Prime Channel sa Santa Ana Park.

Ayon kay Philracom chairman Atty. Joy Rojas, ang video na ito ay “part of Philracom’s mandate to promote and support the sport of horseracing. It’s important to bring the sport to the awareness of the general public, sa mga taong hindi pa pamilyar sa horseracing. ”

Ang pamagat ng kanta ay “Larga Na!” Composed and arranged by Jeck Pilpil, it was performed by Bandoska at super-mapapa-indak kayo sa tugtog! Eto ang lyrics – sing-along na!

Reggae musician and video editor Jeck Pilpil. He has his own band, Peacepipe.

“Larga na!/ Dito sa karera / Walang tigil ang aksiyon at saya/Panalo ka!/ Kasama ka/ Philracom…tayo na/ Tara na, tayo nang manood/ Walang katulad ang karera…

Screenshot from the video

(Refrain): “Sa pagtulong sa kapwa/ Karamay siya/ At basta’t pakarera/ Sa Philracom…Larga na! (Chorus 2x): Sa Philracom, laging kasama/ Pag-asenso ng madla/ Sa Philracom, tumutulong sa kapwa/ Sa Philracom, Larga na!

“Halika na/Isama mo’ng barkada/Mga kampeon dito sa pista/ Sino ba sila?/ Kasama ka

Philracom…tayo na/ Tara na,tayo nang manood/ Walang katulad ang karera! (Repeat refrain, repeat chorus 2x) Larga na!”

Full version na may habang 2:16 with lyrics (parang karaoke video) ang makikita ninyo mamayang gabi hanggang Linggo sa cable TV sa Santa Ana Park at sa San Lazaro  Leisure Park next raceweek. Pagbalik uli sa SAP at SLLP, maiksing 45-second version nalang ang ipapalabas, ngunit maririnig niyo pa ang kanta in between races at sa radio station DZER “Racing Talk” show, courtesy of Mang Ching Vicente, Benjie Castro, and Benjie S.

Mapapanood niyo rin ang music video at mada-download ang mp3 file ng kantang “Larga Na!” sa www.philracom.gov.ph. Patok ito bilang ring-tone sa celfone! Pati lyrics nandun na rin. Wala lang guitar chords, ha. Over na ‘yun.

Samantala, ito na ang aking huling hirit tungkol sa University of the Philippines (Diliman) College of Mass Communication Centennial Year Alumni Homecoming na gaganapin bukas, Sabado, Sep. 27, simula 1pm, sa Plaridel Hall (UP-CMC building).

Maraming salamat sa MARHO (Metropolitan Association of Race Horse Owners) sa kanilang pag-donate ng ilang appliances para sa prizes, at sa Klub Don Juan de Manila through its president Mr. Jun Almeda para sa kanilang donation sa UP-CMC Alumni Association scholarship fund para sa needy at deserving students sa larangan ng sports journalism. 

“Walang katulad ang karera…larga na!”   ***

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“Larga Na!” Philracom MTV Captures Excitement of Horseracing

Horseracing is all about speed, stamina, and excellence. It’s a sport that’s so colorful, vibrant, and exciting, it truly is like no other.

The fun and passion of racing is now captured in a music video that’s just about the average duration of a race. Commissioned by the Philippine Racing Commission as part of its mandate to promote the sport, the song, entitled “Larga Na!” was composed and arranged by musician Jeck Pilpil and performed by the up-and-coming group Bandoska. Lyrics are by Jenny Ortuoste and tweaked by Jeck. The video was created by veteran graphics editor Jojo Llamanzares under Gogirl Media.

The music video is Philracom’s first MTV and video plug. According to Philracom chairman Atty. Jose Ferdinand M. Rojas, “We were looking for a way to promote racing much like the ‘Wow Philippines!’ campaign of the Department of Tourism, which made use of its own jingle and beautiful images of the country.

This and succeeding images are screenshots from the video

“The ‘Larga Na!’ tune is very catchy. We hope racing fans and music lovers will enjoy it, and horseracing as well.”

The “Larga Na!” MTV will be launched on 26 September 2008, Friday, on the live cable TV race coverage of Santa Ana Park on Prime Channel. It will be aired in its entirety (2:16) from Friday to Sunday, and over Makisig Network during its coverage of San Lazaro Leisure Park’s next raceweek.

Thereafter, rotating 45-seconder videos will be aired occasionally, while the song itself will be played in between races.

Philracom thanks the Philippine Racing Club, Prime Channel, Manila Jockey Club, and Makisig Network for their support of this campaign.

The full music video may be viewed at www.philracom.gov.ph. Lyrics and mp3 file download are also available there.

“Walang katulad ang karera…larga na!”

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THE HOARSE WHISPERER 

By Jenny Ortuoste for Manila Standard-Today,  24 September 2008, Wednesday

Herma Juveniles Rule!

Herma-breds proved their dominance in the 2YO arena after they ruled in both the Juvenile Colts and Juvenile Fillies stakes races sponsored by the Philippine Racing Commission, held at San Lazaro Leisure Park in Carmona, Cavite last Sunday.

Both were the second legs of the series, with the distance pegged at an easy 1500 meters.

In the Fillies, the favorite French Vanilla was scratched before the race, having suffered an injury during a morning workout about a week prior.

Horseowner and breeder Hermie Esguerra’s hopes were pinned on Nuclear Power, who was to have run as French Vanilla’s coupled entry and who had shown speed and mettle in a maiden race not too long ago.

In a short-distance race such as this, the horse that breaks best from the gate and has speed and stamina is expected to do well. As it turned out, Nuclear Power, favorite in the sales and guided by jockey Patty Dilema, jumped out cleanly and took the lead…

 …and that is where she stayed for the entire journey. Amazingly, none of the other entries could muster enough gumption to race her one-on-one – she was simply too fast for them. Leading by as much as six lengths in the backstretch, she maintained that gap up to the finish line.

Heavily-favored opponent Security World, who won the first leg of the series and was thought to have a good chance of fashioning another win, ran in last for most of the race. The filly failed to fire at all and finished sixth.

Manny Santos ‘ Love You By Heart and Mind Music came in second and third, gasping for breath behind the fast-stepping Nuclear Power. Maimpok finished still in the money in fourth. Also-rans were Rhea’s Gold, Teen Titan, and Loveable Frances.

It was the same wire-to-wire scenario in the Colts. Super-heavy-mega-outstanding choice Go Army, ridden by Jonathan Hernandez and also from the Esguerra Stable, took point all the way and won by four.

Batangas Baron checked in next, followed by Elgin and Chairman and So Real. Other finishers were Oh Wacky, Far Beyond, and High Tower .

 Both juvenile stakes winners are graduates of Hermie Esguerra’s Herma Farms and Stud in Lipa City , Batangas. Established just a few years ago, this breeding ranch has produced many champions and its produce are highly in demand among local buyers.

Go Army was sired by the “sire of champions” Mr. Sutter out of dependable broodmare J’approve,  while Nuclear Power is out of My Sweet Girl by local champion Wind Blown.

Wind Blown is considered the “winningest” race horse in the Philippines , having earned nearly P20 million in prize money before being retired to stud in 2004. Nuclear Power is from his second crop. His first crop produced 3YO champion Don Enrico, among others.

Also last Sunday was the Sapphire Stakes, sixth leg of the Imported-Local Challenge. Punsters deemed it “anybody’s race” and said it was difficult to handicap. Sure enough, it was third favorite Great Emma who dashed past frontrunner Blind Date (likewise owned by Esguerra) in come-from-behind style, also beating the likes of Drama Belle (winner of the P3 million 2007 Eduardo M. Cojuangco Jr. Cup), who came in third, and favorite Ziraz (multiple stakes winner).

Sweet Xarah, Al-Azeem, and Frapuubvel were the other finishers in the Sapphire Stakes.

Last Sunday also marked the end of the first week of the five-racing-day experiment of MJC. Decades ago, races were held Friday to Sunday; later on a fourth day was added, then another, until in recent years, races are run six days a week from Tuesday to Sunday, with 59 races.

With the recent decline in racing sales, MJC, with the approval of Philracom, decided to go with a five-day raceweek with 45 races, which was also requested by some owners and trainers.

At this point, the experiment seems to be a success, with gross horseowners’ prizes up to around P130,000 from less than P100,000 at SLLP some weeks ago. Trainers and horseowners who approve of the scheme say that less racing days and races led to bigger field sizes and thus more exciting races, fostering renewed bettor interest. 

 At present, Philippine Racing Club is still keeping to a six-day racing schedule at Santa Ana Park . Let’s see what happens in the weeks to come.  ***

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KARERA LANG!  By Jenny Ortuoste for Tumbok,  23 September 2008, Tuesday

Super Sunday at SLLP  

Nagpakita ng kakaibang gilas ang mga kalahok ng tatlong umaatikabong stakes races na sponsored ng Philippine Racing Commission na ginanap sa San Lazaro Leisure Park noong nakaraang Linggo (Set. 21).

Bumuhos ang saya at ligaya sa pista lalo na’t dahil may mga sikat na panauhin ang karera noong araw na iyon – ang ilang miyembro ng eksklusibong grupo ng journalists, ang Samahang Plaridel.

Mismo ang chairman at CEO ng Manila Jockey Club, si Atty. Alfonso “Boy” Reyno Jr., at si MJC Director Martin Cepeda ang personal na nag-entertain ng mga journalists na sina Jullie Yap-Daza (print and broadcast journalist), Julius Fortuna, Neal Cruz (kolumnista ng ating sister publication Philippine Daily Inquirer), Rolly Estabillo (taga-Philippine Air Lines), Twinkle Valdez, at iba pa.

First time nilang makakita ng karera at karerahan, at nagulat sila na mayroon palang isang lugar tulad ng SLLP sa Pilipinas. “It’s beautiful here!” ani Ms. Jullie. “It’s like we’re abroad!” Ang sagot naman sa kanya ni Philracom chairman Atty. Joy Rojas – “Welcome to the world of horseracing!”

“Thumbs up for racing!” Front, L-R: Philracom chairman Atty. Joy Rojas (in black), Julius Fortuna (in brown), Ms. Jullie Yap Daza, Atty. Boy Reyno, Neal Cruz, Twinkle Valdez, Nelly (Samahang Plaridel secretary), Rolly Estabillo, and Andy Sevilla. Back: three unidentified gentlemen.

Napanood nila ang panalo ni Nuclear Power (owned by Hermie Esguerra) sa Philracom Juvenile Fillies stakes. Bago magsimula ang karera, na-scratch ang ka-couple nito na si French Vanilla, na inaasahang mananalo ng walang kahirap-hirap.

Ngunit sa kasamaang-palad, ayon kay racing writer Andy Sevilla (na siyang nag-imbita ng mga taga-Samahang Plaridel sa SLLP), nabunggo si French Vanilla sa balya noong isang linggo habang nag-eensayo at nasugatan ang tagiliran nito. Kaya hindi na siya isinali.

Sa pagrenda ni jockey Patty Dilema, nagpakawala ng impresibong performance si Nuclear Power na nanalo ng banderang tapos. Sa tulin ng aire niya, walang lumucha at walang nakalapit sa remate. Anim na kabayo ang layo niya sa sumegundong Love You By Heart na hilahod na ang dating sa meta.

Sa Juvenile Colts, super-mega-outstanding si Go Army, isa pang Esguerra-owned horse, sakay ni Jonathan Hernandez. Outclassed ang mga kalaban at tulad ng kanyang stablemate si Nuclear Power, banderang tapos din siyang nanalo by four lengths.

Siguradong very proud si Mr. Esguerra at ang lahat ng connections ng Esguerra Racing at Herma Farms and Stud dahil sa patok na performances nitong mga juvenile Herma-breds – Go Army is by Mr. Sutter out of J’Approve, at ang lahi ni Nuclear Power ay Wind Blown -  My Sweet Girl.

Sa panalong ito ni Nuclear Power, nakikita na ang buti bilang isang sire ni Wind Blown, “winningest horse of the Philippines”. Isa pang niyang anak na magaling ay si Don Enrico.

Sa Sapphire Stakes naman (6th leg Imported-Local Challenge), pinatunayan ng beteranang si Great Emma, isang Australian import, na kaya niya pang pumitas ng malaking karera. Congrats sa may-ari, the Bradd Family of the US, trainer Dave de la Cruz, at jockey Jesse B. Guce.

Nangako ang mga bisitang journalists na babalik sa karera pag may pagkakataon. Totoong walang katulad ang horseracing, nae-enganyo pati ang mga first-timers! ***

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KARERA LANG!  By Jenny Ortuoste for Tumbok,  19 September 2008, Friday

MARHO, Inihahanda ang 2008 Breeders’ Cup!

“All systems go!” para sa  2008 MARHO Breeders’ Cup, ang taunang pakarera ng Metropolitan Association of Race Horse Owners. Itinatag noong 1974 ni Amb. Eduardo “Danding” M. Cojuangco Jr. at 14 pang horseowners, ipagdidiwang ng grupo ang kanilang 35th anniversary sa 2009.

Sinimulan nina horseowners at breeders Leonardo “Sandy” Javier at Aristeo “Putch” Puyat, chairman and president respectively ng MARHO noong panahong iyon, ang MBC program. Ang layunin nito ay ang pagbibigay ng insentibo sa mga local thoroughbred breeders na mag-produce ng champion-caliber horses sa pamamagitan ng MBC championship races na may malalaking premyo.

Naging annual tradition na sa karera ang MBC, pinakaaabangan ng Bayang Karerista dahil dito nagsisilabasan ang pinakamagaling na local-breds.

Ang 2008 MBC ay gaganapin sa Nobyembre 18-23 sa Santa Ana Park. Tulad ng dati, nariyan ang anim na championship races – 2,050-meters Classic (4YO and older horses), milyang 3YO Colts at 3YO Fillies, 1,500-meters 2YO Colts at 2YO Fillies, at 900-meters Sprint.

Ang papremyo ay: Classic, P2 million total, with P1.2 million going to the winner, P450,000 for 2nd, P250,000 for 3rd, and P100,000 for 4th. Sa apat na 2YO at 3YO races, ang total premyo ay tig-P1 million, kung saan P600,000 sa winner, P225,000 sa 2nd, P112,500 sa 3rd, at P62,500 sa 4th. Sa Sprint naman, kalahating milyon ang ipamimigay, with P300,000 para sa mananalo, P112,500 sa 2nd, P62,500 sa 3rd, at P25,000 sa 4th.

Magkakaroon din ng mga trophy races na may matabang added prizes at pati MARHO Members’ races kung saan may added prize kung ang mananalo ay MARHO member in good standing.

Kaya sa lahat ng mga horseowners at trainers, maghanda na rin po ng inyong panlaban sa MBC! Paki-check sa www.marho.org kung ang inyong kabayo at ang kanyang stallion ay nominated. O kaya tumawag po sa MARHO office, ang telephone number ay nasa website.

Tandaan, hindi po puedeng sumali ang non-nominated horses at ang mga kabayo na hindi nominated ang stallion, unless magbayad ang horseowner ng supplemental fee. Ang deadline para sa 2008 nominations ay December 31.

Sa mga may-ari na hindi MARHO member, sumali na po kayo sa oldest horseowners’ group sa bansa!

Ano ang benepisyo ng pagiging miyembro?  May malaking discounts sa weanling, yearling, at stallion nomination fees at eligible pa kayo para sa mga special members’ races. May mga freebies pa ang mga miyembro tulad ng libreng magasin at iba pang industry publications, “members’ gifts” (this summer, namigay ng mga home appliances tulad ng washing machines, stand fans,  DVD players, flat iron, at radyo), Christmas raffle prizes, at iba pa.

Ang mga kasalukuyang opisyal ng MARHO ay sina Sandy Javier (chairman), Mandaluyong Mayor Benhur Abalos (president), at directors Cong. Amado Bagatsing, Chito Borromeo, Elias Chua, Kerby Chua, Jose Mari Franco, Jing Javier, Butch Mamon, Eric Tagle, Tony Tan, Tony de Ubago, at Nel Velasco.

Karera lang kaya!  ***

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KARERA LANG!  By Jenny Ortuoste for Tumbok,  18 September 2008, Thursday

Journalists, Dadalaw sa SLLP!

Naimbitahan sa karera kamakailan ni sportswriter at racing broadcaster Andy Sevilla, ang ating kasamahan sa trabaho, ang ilang mga miyembro ng Samahang Plaridel, isang eksklusibong grupo ng media practitioners at communications specialists.

Sila ay dadalaw sa San Lazaro Leisure Park sa Linggo upang panoorin ang tatlong Philippine Racing Commission-sponsored stakes races. Karamihan sa kanila ay hindi pa nakapunta roon. Para sa ilan, ito marahil ang kanilang unang sulyap sa masayang mundo ng karera.

 Itinatag ang grupo noong 2003, at kabilang sa kanilang mga layunin ay ang pagpapatagag ng kalayaan ng pamamahayag at ang dignidad ng propesyon ng mamamahayag; ang pagpapatibay ng samahan at pag-unawa sa mga kapwa mamamahayag; at ang pagpapaunlad ng propesyon na ito.

Ang kasalukuyang mga opisyales ng Samahang Plaridel ay sina Neal H. Cruz (chairman), Rod Reyes (vice-chair), Rolando Estabillo (president), Julius Fortuna at Benjamin Rodriguez (vice-presidents), Diosdado Beltran (secretary), at Jullie Yap Daza, Carmen Guerrero Nakpil, Isagani Yambot, Cris Icban, Jake Macasaet, Jun Bautista, Jimmy Gil, at Twinkle Valdez (mga direktor).

 Si Neal Cruz ay kolumnista ng sister publication ng Tumbok, ang Philippine Daily Inquirer. Si Carmen Guerrero Nakpil ay isang historian at manunulat. Ang ibang nabanggit ay mga kilala na at matagal na sa larangan ng print at broadcast media.

Interesante ang kaganapang ito dahil lumalabas na lumalawak na rin ang popularidad ng karera na pati ang mga mainstream journalists ay curious dito. Sana sa tulong nila, mas maraming mga kababayan pa natin ang makakatuklas sa sport ng racing at kabuuang industriya pati na ang breeding.

 Mapapanood ng mga taga-Samahang Plaridel sa Linggo ang Sapphire I Stakes (6th leg Imported-Local Challenge), at second leg ng Philracom Juvenile Colts at Philracom Juvenile Fillies series. Mga matitinding karera ito na magpapatunay na malaki na ang naiangat ng kalidad ng kabayong panakbo, at lalo pang aangat ito sa darating na panahon, bunga na rin ng seryosong investment ng mga horseowners at breeders sa pag-aangkat ng mataas na kalibreng bloodstock mula sa ibang bansa.

Speaking of importation, panahon na uli para sa Fasig-Tipton Mid-Atlantic Eastern Fall Yearling Sale. Gaganapin ito sa Set. 29, 30, at Okt. 1 sa Maryland State Fairgrounds, Timonium, Maryland. Doon galing sina Fierce Fighter at stallion Jazz Club. Para sa mga interesadong pumunta at mamili, check out their website (www.fasigtipton.com) o magtanong ng detalye sa opisina ng Philracom (www.philracom.gov.ph).

Speaking of Philracom, malapit na nilang i-launch ang “e-Renewal” portal, kung saan maaari nang gawin online via Internet ang renewal ng registration ng horseowners, trainers, jockeys, horses, at iba pang licensed positions. Ito ay para mabawasan ang “traffic” sa opisina at abala sa licensees kapag panahon ng renewal. Uumpisahan ang serbisyong ito sa Nobyembre.

Speaking of November, sa Nob. 18 to 23 naka-schedule ang MARHO Breeders’ Cup sa Santa Ana Park. Sure na ang petsa at venue, at tuloy pa rin ang anim na championship races nito – Classic, Juvenile Colts, Juvenile Fillies, Colt Mile, Filly Mile, at Sprint. Sa mga gustong mag-sali ang kanilang mga kabayo, paki-check sa MARHO office kung nominated ang inyong entry at ang stallion nito (www.marho.org). ***

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THE HOARSE WHISPERER

By Jenny Ortuoste for Manila Standard-Today,  17 September 2008, Wednesday

Sunday’s Stakes Trio at SLLP               

“There’s no such thing as too much of a good thing.”

Take stakes races, for instance. The Philippine Racing Commission has sponsored three for Sunday, September 21, at the Manila Jockey Club’s San Lazaro Leisure Park in Carmona, Cavite City.

Two of those races continue the Juvenile Championship series, in its second leg, both at 1500 meters. In the Fillies races, racing fans will see an exciting match with first leg winner Security World, who came from behind to defeat favorite speedster French Vanilla to win by half a length; Esguerra Racing’s French Vanilla, bent on wreaking vengeance, aided by coupled entry Nuclear Power, who won her maiden race in impressive style; Love You By Heart and Mind Music, coupled entries of Manny Santos; Bonjour and Doña Leonora, a tandem coming from the Pasion Stable; Loveable Frances, Maimpok, My Tiffanie, Rhea’s Gold, and Teen Titan.

A couple of racehorse trainers, asked for their opinion, picked Doña Leonora and Bonjour, who have speed and can stay. French Vanilla is not to be disregarded, although one of the trainers said she didn’t have a good workout yesterday. Overall, they said that it was a good lineup. “Maraming may panalo diyan,” they said. “Magandang laban iyang Fillies.”

In the Colts, Esguerra Racing’s coupled entries Go Army (first leg winner) and Go Air Force, considered as one number in the betting, are considered virtually indestructible. The trainers said, “Write that down on your ruta“. Sure to give them good battle are High Tower (who came in a far second to Go Army in the first leg), So Real (third), Oh Wacky (fourth), Far Beyond, Elgin and Chairman, and Batangas Baron.

And if two stakes races aren’t enough, there’s a third to spice up the day – the 1600-meter 6^th leg of the Imported-Local Challenge, otherwise known as the Sapphire I Stakes.

Signed up for it are imports Drama Belle, Ziraz, Sweet Xarah, Great Emma, Al-Azeem, Blind Date, Frapuubvel, and Lim’s Expensive Toys.

Asked to comment on this lineup, the trainers commented, “Drama Belle has not been performing well lately.” Unfortunately, the winner of the three million peso 2007 Eduardo Cojuangco Jr. Cup has failed to fire this season. One trainer chose Lim’s Expensive Toys. His companion reminded him, “Pare, the race is at SLLP. Humihinto si Lim’s doon.”  The other trainer asserted, “Well, then, I’m going with Ziraz and Lim’s Expensive Toys, basta hindi siya hihinto.”

The starting gate at SLLP – “Raaaaaacing!” (Photo by Rhed Sarmiento)

SLLP has other activities lined up for that day, among them a luncheon for the Samahang Plaridel, a group of journalists, some (if not all) of whom are visiting the racetrack for the first time.

This week is a special one for SLLP, if it may be called that, as it is launching its experiment into five-day racing. For the past several years, racing has been scheduled at six days per week (Tuesdays to Sundays), with the two racetracks, SLLP and Philippine Racing Club’s Santa Ana Park, alternating raceweeks.

With a recent decline in sales at SLLP, perhaps related to having less betting terminals (300) deployed around the city than PRC’s (340 or so), MJC decided to drop Thursday night racing, which usually features eight races.

The end of this week will show whether this strategy will work better than the seven-day racing scheme they employed earlier this year, which was discontinued after three months after no overall improvement in sales was registered.

More betting machines are expected to arrive in October, addressing bettor complaints of long waits to place wagers and the decrease in the number of MJC-franchised OTBs, another business strategy to reduce overhead costs such as tellers’ salaries and OTB commissions.

Meanwhile, racing goes on, as it has for over 140 years, and Sunday’s three stakes races offer aficionados the best juveniles and imports in the country in action.  And that’s a good thing.   ***

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