Guar tops PHILRACOM-PCSO Grand Derby

Cong. Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo’s Jaguar (Dance City-Delta Gold) romped away with a smashing victory last Sunday at the Metro Manila Turf Club in Malvar, Batangas.

Jaguar showed the public that he is the three-year-old to beat by taking the P3-million 2023 Philracom-PCSO 3YO Locally Bred Grand Derby by almost three lengths ahead of Istulen Ola at the wire.

Jockey Jeffril Zarate asked his mount for a run at the 3/8-mile pole and Jaguar responded but not without encountering stiff resistance from the front-running Istulen Ola. This battle raged on until the stretch run.

But the 1800m distance took its toll on the Melaine Habla stalwart as Jaguar dug deep into his abilities and blew that resistance away. Third place went to La Trouppei while Secretary took fourth.

The time of the race was 1:51.6 with clips of 13′-24-23′-23′-27.

On hand to receive his owner’s trophy was Cong. Arroyo himself along with Jaguar’s trainer Dante Salazar and jockey Jeff Zarate received their respective trophies. Breeder Joseph Dyhengco was represented by former jockey and trainer Ariel Dator.

PCSO Chairman of the Committee on Races Arnel Casas congratulated the winners. He also acknowledged the partnership of the PCSO and the Philracom in bringing top-notch racing to the public.

“First of all, congratulations to the connections of Jaguar for winning the Grand Derby and showing the public a peek at the future of Philippine horseracing. Don’t forget that on October 29 we will be having the Philracom-PCSO Silver Cup then in December the Presidential Gold Cup,” Philracom Chairman Reli de Leon.

He furthers, “Also, thank you to the PCSO for continuing to be our partner in delivering high-quality racing to the public. Congratulations are also in order for the Klub Don Juan de Manila for staging another highly successful weekend of racing as evidenced by a high P61.5 million in sales for the two days. Of course, this achievement would not have been possible without the support of the racing fans.”