Recent champions Boss Emong, Super Swerte and Pangalusian Island banner the stellar cast in the Philippine Racing Commission (Philracom) 4YO and Above Classic Race at the Santa Ana Park in Naic, Cavite on Sunday, July 11.
Boss Emong is heavily touted to emerge victorious in this 2000-meter Triple Crown primer that stakes a grand prize of P1.2 million after ruling the Chairman's Cup just last month.
Also seen as favorites in the race where the runner-up pockets P400,000 and third-placer gets P200,000 are Commissioner's Cup winner Super Swerte and Presidential Gold Cup 2020 king Pangalusian Island.
Last year's Triple Crown sweeper Heneral Kalentong, Road to the Chairman's Cup winner Sky Shot and strong contenders in Son Also Rises, Goldsmith, Weather Land, Shanghai Grey, Big Lagoon, Rogelio and Spandau Ballet also vie for the lion's share of the prize pool.
Edward Vincent Diokno, owner of Boss Emong which finished ahead of Super Swerte and Pangalusian Island in the latest major event held at the Metro Manila Turf Club in Malvar, Batangas, is optimistic of his super horse's chances of a second straight victory.
"Good condition naman po siya and bibigyan namin ng magandang laban at karera ang mga bayang karerista," said Diokno, who added that they are planning to donate half of their winnings to the victims of Taal Volcano eruption.
The fourth, fifth and sixth place finishers will bag P100,000, P60,000 and P40,000, respectively.
Meanwhile, nine horses will battle it out in the P1.5 million Philracom 3YO Sprint Race.
Speedsters Whateverwilbewilbe, Bravo, Paruparung Bukid, Tan Goal Too, Hook On D Run, Liquid Gold, Chrome Platter and Cat Bell will dispute the P900,000 top prize.