Hagdang Bato is Triple Crown champ!

Source: Manila Standard Today

It took 11 year, but it was worth the wait. Finally, horseracing has a new star -- Hagdang Bato.

The tough local-bred colt lived up to his name by destroying the hopes of seven others to varve his name in the annals of Triple Crown champions, the last being Silver Story in 2001.

Hagdang Bato was sent off as the heavy favorite of the eight-horse field in the third leg of the Philippine Racing Commission Triple Crown series, held at the Manila Jockey Club's San Lazaro Leisure Park on July 15.

Commanding top sales on the strength of his having won the first two legs ang being crowd darling to sweep, Hagdang Bato was fourth out of the gate, behind fleet filly Humble Riches, Penrith, and Golden Empire.

Jockey Jonathan Hernandez, was expected to pace his mount Hagdang Bato over the 2,000-meter distance, instead surprising fans when he opted to break free of the crowd and grab the lead at the top of the stretch the first time around.

Golden Empire, ridden by Kelvin Abobo, chased Hagdang Bato and started nipping at his flancks, paced closely by the Patricio Dilema-steered Humble Riches. Gaining the lead briefly at the bend, Golden Empire had to give it back to Hagdang Bato, who continued to dominate the race until the backstretch, when Dilema stepped on the gas ang urged Humble Riches to catch up, running head-to-head with the frontrunner.

Hagdang Bato proved far too strong for her and pulled away 400 meters before the wire to win by five lengths under mere hand - urging ang light flicks of the whip.

The win was worth P1.8 million first prize plus P500,000 bonus for the trilogy sweep for the winning connections -owner and breeder Mandaluyong City mayor Benhur Abalos, trainer Ruben Tupas, and Jockey Hernandez.

The total time was 2:07.8 with splits of 26-24'-26-25-26. the strong last quarter is proof of Hagdang Bato's superior condition at this time. Not surprising, given this colt's superstar lineage of Quaker Ridge x Fire Down Under, making him a half-brother to Mayor Abalos's champion Ibarra (two-leg Triple Crown winner in 2007.)

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Kudos also to Nathaniel "Nel" Velasco owner of Cinderella Kid, surprise winner of the PHilracom Hopeful Stakes held July 14 at SLLP. Posting a total time of 2:09.6, the Kafwain x End Sweep's Girl colt also bred by Velasco was ridden by Fernando Raquel Jr. and trained by Buboy Jacob.

Cinderella Kid bested a full-gate field to win by two lengths over Yes I'm the One, followed by Pleasantly Perfect in third and Pugad Lawin in fourth.

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What to watch this weekend: this Saturday, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office will run a Special Maiden Race for 2YO at Santa ana park. Herminio Esguerra's Super Whaaa won the trial last July 3, clocking 1:17 over 1,200 meters.

The race will feature other stellar juveniles who finished the trial in this order after Super Whaaa: Minotaur, If Your Honor Please, Dont fool Your Wife, Grand Strikes Girl, Boss Jay, Boss Jaden, ang Best Boss.

The next PCSO Special Maiden (2YO Open) will be held August 11 at SLLP. Fifteen entries were nominated torun the 1,400 meter race: lawyer Sixto Esquivias IV's Niagara Boogie with jockey Jeffrey Bacaycay: Wilbert tan's Striker's Symbol (John Paul Guce).

Renato Virata's Leonidez Might (Mark Alvarez); Nathaniel Velasco's Leonor (Christopher Tamano); Michael Angelo Veneracion's Bossing Ethan (Arnel Tancioco.)

Herma Farms & Stud's Sparkling Rule (Jesse B. Guce); Edwin Santos's Mi Esperanza (Dominador Borbe Jr.); Eduardo Gonzalez's Gee's for Victory (Jonathan Hernandez); Elizabeth Lontok's Divine Eagle (John Alvin Guce);

Contessa Falguera's Green Garnet (Patricio Dilema); Antonio Floirendo's Pantukan (Fernando Raquel Jr.); Herminio Esguerra's Wild Ginseng (Rodeo FErnandez); Reginald Allen Vergara's Megatron (Virgilio Camañero Jr.); ang Honorato Neri's Sky Dragon (Antonio Alcasid Jr.)

The trial for this race will be held July 24, Tuesday.