Patong Patong rules Challenge Series second leg

MANILA, Philippines — Patong Patong stayed within strike distance at third three fourths of the way before making its move in the homestretch, taking the second leg of the 2019 Philippine Racing Commission (Philracom) 3YO Imported/Local Challenge Series by two lengths at the Metro Manila Turf Club in Malvar, Batangas on Sunday.

Ridden by first-time stakes race winner jockey Jonathan King Flores, Patong Patong blasted out in front in the final 300 meters, leaving Will To Win and Magtotobetsky behind en route to the victory in the 1,800-meter race, fashioned out in 1:52 with quartertimes of 14, 22, 24, 23 and 27.

The Philippine Racing Commission shelled out P1.5 million for the race, with the first-place purse of P900,000 going to Patong Patong owner Narciso Morales.

Runner-up Will To Win earned P337,500 for owner Wally Manalo while third-placer Magtotobetsky delivered P187,500 to owner Leonardo M. Javier Jr.

Mark of Excellence, owned by Mark Anthony Calixto, seized command of the race after the seven-horse field burst out of the gates, followed by Will to Win and Patong Patong, which kept its spot majority of the way, allowing the leaders to go at it up front. Will To Win finally got the lead in the final 400 against a fading Mark of Excellence, but the control was shortlived as Patong Patong seized command of the race and held unto it to the finish.

Patong Patong will be trying to make it two wins in a row in the third leg of the series next month against Kentucky-bred What A Feeling, which ruled the 1st leg.

Other winners were Princess Eowyn (Klub Don Juan Stakes Race), Kaka and Bachi (Yorme Isko Moreno Race), Sky Candy (Juvenile Fillies), I Love Matty (Altheane Builders), One More One More (Equine International Airfreight Trophy Race), Yes I Will (Cong. Tony Calixto Trophy Race), King Polonius (Andok’s Litson Trophy Race), Chancetheracer (Manila Derby), Simlong Rock (Hygain Feeds Australia Trophy Race ), Helushka (Magic Millions Australia) and Du Pont Circle (DLTB Trophy Race).

December proves to be the busiest horseracing month for big races with the Philracom’s holding of the 3rd leg of the Juvenile Fillies and Colts Stakes Races on the 1st, the Grand Sprint Championship on the 15th, the Chairman’s Cup and the 3rd leg of the 3YO Imported/Local Challenge Series on the 29th and the Juvenile Championship on the 31st.