THE country’s richest and most prestigious race—the P10-milliion 2022 Philippine Racing Commission (Philracom)-Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) Presidential Gold Cup will be held this Sunday at the Metro Manila Turf Club in Malvar, Batangas.
Ten of the country’s top gallopers will vie in the 2000-meter race to dispute the top prize of P6 million and the honor of winning the prestigious contest.
Philracom-PCSO Silver Cup champion Boss Emong of Kennedy Morales and Sky Shot of Felizardo “Jun” Sevilla Jr. lead the field.
Vice Governor Leonardo “Sandy” Javier Jr.’s Super Swerte will be challenging the favorites, along with Silver Cup third-placer, Melaine Habla’s late-charging Big Lagoon and Mandaluyong City Mayor Benjamin Abalos Sr.’s Heneral Kalentong.
Also expected at the gate are 2021 Triple Crown third leg winner War Cannon, Spandau Ballet, Ambisioso, Boss Emong tormentor Real Quiet and Victorious Colt.
The race will also be a battle of wits among top jockeys Jeffril Zarate, Jesse Guce, Kelvin Abobo, Mark Alvarez, Pati Dilema, John Paul Guce, John Anthony Guce, Oneal Cortez, Jerico Serrano and Joel Siego.
“This is the most anticipated race every year in local racing and it is always a pleasure to watch them compete against each other,” Philracom chairman Reli de Leon said. “To spice up the win betting, each protagonist’s owners will be putting P10,000 into the betting pool to give a better payout to those who choose the winner.”