Jaguar rules TC Series second leg

MANILA, Philippines — Top favorite Jaguar (Dance City out of Delta Gold), owned by former Deputy Speaker Juan Miguel “Mikey” Macapagal Arroyo, exacted sweet revenge in grand fashion over first leg tormentor La Trouppei by winning the P3.5-million 2nd Leg of the 2023 Philracom Triple Crown Series at the Metro Manila Turf Club.

Racing in third within striking distance of the speed duel between Going East and Easy Way in the first three quarters, the chestnut colt bred by Joseph Dyhengco kept calm, composed and patient through the masterful handling of Jeffril Zarate.

It was with 600 meters left in the 1800-meter journey when Zarate decided it’s time to make his move, urging Jaguar to zoom to the lead, never to look back, leaving the rest of the field huffing and puffing to win by about four lengths over the nearest rival.

The Dante Salazar-trained galloper crossed the wire in 1:51.8 with clips of 13’-23-23’-24’-27, in the process giving his connections the P2.1-million top prize.

Second place went to first leg winner La Trouppei worth P700,000 while Secretary took third for P350,000 and Early Boating took fourth worth P175,000.