SOAPKING Inc.’s Shastaloo beat grand slam-seeking Righteous Ruby by a neck to rule the P5-million Philippine Racing Commission (Philracom)-Ambassador Eduardo M. Cojuangco Jr. Cup Sunday at the Metro Manila Turf Club in Malvar, Batangas.
Shastaloo staved off Righteous Ruby’s charge in the last 600 meters to win the event held in honor of the top sportsman and businessman Cojuangco.
The Dante Salazar-trained galloper stopped the clock at 2:02 with quarters of 23-23′-25-24-26′ for the 2,000m distance.
The win was worth P3-million for Shastaloo’s connections with Righteous Ruby settling for the P1-million runner-up prize.
Rounding out the top six were Time For Glory (P.5 million 00), Bombay Nights (P250,000), Runway Dreamer (P150,000) and Starrininmydreams (P100,000).
Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary and true-blue horseman Benhur Abalos handed the trophy to the winning owner.
Considered a mere second choice in the betting, the Algorithms out of Water Park 4YO bay filly was nicely tucked within striking distance while the overwhelming favorite was third to last as Raintree Starlet and Runway tried to dictate the early pace of the race.
It was at the half-mile pole where Righteous Ruby found herself somewhat trapped by the rail, a place very unfamiliar to her with Shastaloo having a traffic-free run about six-wide.
At the 3/8-mile pole, veteran jockey Jeffril Zarate used this tactical advantage and egged his mount to zoom to the lead knowing that once Righteous Ruby is able to break free from her dilemma, she would be charging for the win.
But the lead established was good enough to stave off the fast-arriving opponent.
Philracom Chairman Reli de Leon announced that the P10-million Presidential Gold Cup will be held on December 18.