malaysiangMANILA: Third pick Istolen Ola stunned the favorites to capture the 2024 Philracom Commissioner Dante Lantin Cup at the MetroTurf in Malvar, Batangas on Sunday.
The Melaine Habla-owned and bred bay four-year-old by Brigand out of Close Haul took the early lead and sustained its momentum to prevail over favorite Boss Emong, according to a news release on Monday.
Philippine Sportswriters Association Jockey of the Year John Alvin Guce controlled his mount, taking a mile advantage before Boss Emong finally caught up in the final quarter.
But the Ruben Tupas-trained Istolen Ola regained the lead, winning by two lengths to collect the champion’s purse worth PHP1.08 million.
Boss Emong earned PHP405,000 for finishing second, followed by War Cannon who got PHP225,000 and Don Julio who settled for PHP90,000.
In Division II, Tisha Sevilla’s Jungkook was crowned champion and took the PHP420,000 top prize.
The Low Profile out of Liquid Oxygen progeny bred by Esguerra farm and Stud Inc. attacked in the last quarter
to finish the race in 1:39.4 followed by Jaguar, Sophisticated, Palauig and Easy Does It.
Meanwhile, Leyte Vice Governor Sandy Javier Jr.’s Moderne Cong (Art Moderne-Boogie To Seattle) topped Division III, beating Diversity, Uncle Vhines, Mimbalot Falls and King Tiger, to pocket PHP300,000.
The runners-up received PHP100,000 (2nd), PHP50,000 (3rd), PHP25,000 (4th) and P15,000 (5th).
Lantin thanked Philracom for naming the race after him honor as he expressed hopes that with the support of the racing public, the industry will continue to flourish and reach greater heights.
“Rest assured that we, as Commissioner Lantin said, will continue to do our best to further the development and improvement of the industry,” Philracom chair Reli de Leon said.
He added that the momentum is already there and ‘with the help of the bayang karerista (racing community), the industry will achieve higher levels, not only in the competition, but the prize money for owners, trainers, jockeys, grooms and all those involved in th
e industry.’
Source: Philippines News Agency
