Magna Carta rules Triple Crown 2nd leg

MANILA, Philippines -  Magna Carta made up for its setback the first time out as it rallied to nip Lord of War and rule the second leg of the Triple Crown at the San Lazaro Leisure and Business Park in Cavite over the weekend.

Expertly handled by jockey Jessie Guce, Magna Carta stayed close to the quick-starting Lord of War majority of the 1,750-meter race then made his move in the final stretch to win by half-a-length.

It was a big comeback for Magna Carta, who lost to Hari ng Yambo as the top favorite in the first leg of the Triple Crown held under the auspices of the Philippine Racing Commission.

The win was worth P1.8 million for owner Michael Javier.

Hari ng Yambo proved to be a big disappointment, finishing dead last in the nine-horse field, over four seconds behind Magna Carta.

Magna Carta’s win also averted a possible TC sweep, last achieved by Silver Story in 2001.

It also installed Magna Carta as the heavy favorite going into the third and final leg of the Triple Crown slated over 2,000 meters.

“We will prepare and just hope for the best in the third leg,” Javier said.

Meanwhile, Cheese Mosa won the Philracom Hopeful Stakes Race over a field of 13 horses while Markees World topped the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office Special Maiden Race.