Pritil dominates Philtobo Juvenile race

MANILA, Philippines –  Pritil ran true to form and dominated the field in the P2.6 million Philtobo Grand Juvenile Championship, posting a three-length victory over Charming Santi at the Saddle and Clubs Leisure Park in Naic, Cavite yesterday.

Sent as the slight favorite in the nine-horse field, Pritil stalked the quick-starting Charming Santi majority of the one-mile race then made his move in the final 400 meters en route to the victory worth P1.56 million for the Esguerra stable.

The Jonathan Hernandez-mounted chestnut colt, by Quaker Ridge out of Arriba Queen, turned in a respectable 1:41.7 clocking with quartertimes of 25.5.24-24.5-27.7.

Charming Santi, the third choice, set a blistering pace from the start and showed staying power until the final straight but failed to thwart the charging Pritil and settled for second.

Another island born colt, Prince Isiah made his bid from the inside rail but fell short and wound up third followed by Hi Money.

Stablemates’ Gandang Pinay and Sulong Pinoy came in fifth followed by Sha Na Na, Fargo and Herran.

Pritil’s impressive showing in the country’s richest race for two-year-olds instantly made him a top contender for the year’s two-year-old division honors and possibly as early book favorite for next year’s Triple Crown series for three-year-olds.