'Hari ng Yambo' goes for TC's second gem

MANILA, Philippines - Hari ng Yambo tries to stay on track of his Triple Crown bid as he goes for the second jewel against eight other rivals tomorrow at the San Lazaro Leisure and Business Park in Carmona, Cavite.

Owned by businessman Manny Santos, the three-year-old colt has not lost in six starts this year, including the T-of-C’s first leg where he beat a stellar field to win in 1:39 over 1,600 meters.

The clocking almost broke the 1:38 record set by Copper Dew in 2007.

Ridden by jockey Rodeo Fernandez, Hari ng Yambo is seeking to become the first horse to sweep the Triple Crown series since Silver Story in 2001 and the ninth horse in 33 years to complete the feat.

Out to foil his bid in the 1,750-meter race are Arvindugo, Barkley, Constatic, Lord of War, Magna Carta, Maker’s Mark, Tensile Strength and The Rock.

Manila Jockey Club Inc. executive vice president and chief operating officer Alfonso Reyno III said they are honored to host one of the biggest horse racing events in the country.

“Anything can happen in horse racing. We witnessed that in the first leg. As with any race, the winner will be that team with the right combination of speed and strategy. I wish all the participants the best of luck,” Reyno said.

For his part, Philracom chairman Atty. Jose Ferdinand Rojas II said: “The Triple Crown showcases the best of what Philippine horse racing has to offer while giving us a glimpse of what we have in store for the future.”

Also on tap in another blockbuster weekend race card are the Hopeful Stakes Races and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office “Araw ng Kalayaan” special.

All races will be aired live on the San Lazaro Broadcasting Network (SLBN) which is available on Sky Cable’s Channel 113, Destiny Cable’s Channel 84.