Coming off convincing victories in the Gran Copa de Manila and the Founders’ Cup Stakes, noted speedball Batangas Entry seeks to reestablish his dominance of the older handicap division as he matches strides with five other game challengers in the Mitra Cup classic over a grueling distance of 2,050 meters.
Set to be skippered by regular rider Patricio Dilema, the four-year-old dark bay colt by Piker (USA) out of Because Milady (USA) was last year’s runaway winner of the Mitra Cup three-year-old Colt Championship and will attempt to make it two in a row in the P500,000 -guaranteed event sponsored by the Philippine Racing Commission (PHILRACOM).
Expected to provide the biggest challenge to the Paolo Mendoza-owned galloper is last year’s Triple Crown champion and vanquished Mitra Cup 3YO Colt favorite Silver Story and last year’s 3YO Filly Championship winner Ilocandia Slew, who will be partnered by Class A jockeys Jonathan Hernandez and Fernando Raquel Jr., respectively. Others in contention for the Mitra Cup Classic include consistent performer Kitty Hawk and big finishers Lord of All and Hyperbid. — Ramon Romualdez