Pangalusian Island stole the thunder from the favorites, snuffing out the luck of Super Swerte in an exciting homestretch battle to rule the 48th staging of the Philippine Racing Commission’s Presidential Gold Cup on Sunday at the San Lazaro Leisure Park (SLLP) in Carmona, Cavite.
A runner-up to Presidential Cup champion SuperSonic last year, Pangalusian Island waited for the opportune time to strike and found the chance in the final stretch, where the Wilbert Tan-owned four-year-old colt that was ridden by jockey Mark A. Alvarez overtook Super Swerte in the final 10 meters for the thrilling win.
Tan’s marching order was simple – don’t get ahead early and find a spot where Alvarez can maximize Pangalusian Island’s strength.
“Talagang pang-remate siya,” said Tan. “ Sabi ko, alalay lang sa trangko, pabibo lang sa huling kwartos, tapos ‘yung pagdadala, hindi sya dapat maipwesto agad sa paglundag. Pipigilin, tapos magpapalakas lang. Kasi kapag naipuwesto siya agad, nag-aayaw siya.” Jockey Alvarez seconded.
“De-remate talaga s’ya. So, pinag-basehan ko ‘yung mga laban kanina, puro naman may speed ‘yung kalaban kaya sigurado na sa last ako manggagaling. ‘Yung experience ng kabayo ko na batak na siya. Kumbaga, husay na siya sa mabibigat na laban kumpara doon sa mga iba kong kalaban ngayon. ‘Yun lang naman po talaga ang tsansa ko dito. Hayun, nabigyan ako ng pagkakataon para maipakita ‘yung experience ng kabayo ko,” said Alvarez, who notched his second Presidential Gold Cup triumph, the first being with Low Profile in 2016.
With Pangalusian Island’s triumph, Tan netted P1.8 million, plus the handsome Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office-donated Presidential Gold Cup trophy, which newly appointed Philracom Chairman Reli de Leon described as the ultimate dream of every horseowner.
“Special ito (Presidential Gold Cup), magandang regalo ngayon Pasko,” Tan added.
Super Swerte, owned by Leonardo Javier, whose other horse – defending champion SuperSonic placed fifth this time (P90,000), earned P675,000 as runner-up, while third placer Wonderland (PR Dilema), got P375,000 for its owner Ken Logistics Forwarding. Fourth placer Boss Emong, ridden by jockey MM Gonzales, won P150,000 for its owner Edward Vincent Diokno.
All prizes came from the Philracom, whose Chairman De Leon thanked the public for supporting the prestigious race.
“I’m very thankful that there’s a big support from the racing public and of course from the racing community. We’re looking forward to bigger stakes races in the future or next year. Horse racing is still alive and I’m very thankful for that,” said De Leon.
Pangalusian Island, sired by Chancellor (USA) out of Dimples (AUS), clocked 2:08.8, with quartertimes of 24, 24, 26, 26 and 28.