With the gallery of the Metro Manila Turf Club packed to the rafters, Melanie Habla’s Big Lagoon made Philippine horseracing history by becoming only the fifth back-to-back winner of the P10-million Philracom-PCSO Presidential Gold Cup.
The Havana out of Blue Catch progeny followed the footsteps of Fair and Square, Sun Dancer, Bulldozer and Wind Blown in bagging the most prestigious race in Philippine annals two years in a row.
Istulen Ola, another Melaine Habla entry, broke out of the gates well and dictated the early fractions of the race with Boss Emong trying to keep in step while Big Lagoon was a very close third at this juncture.
But at the half-mile mark the Ruben Tupas-trained bay six-year-old under the guidance of regular rider John Alvin Guce began to make his move passing Boss Emong and had his eyes focused on the win.
In the last quarter, it was evident that the 2000m distance was a little too much for Istulen Ola and Boss Emong and there was no denying Big Lagoon and his connections, the P6-million winner’s prize and his name etched in the PGC trophy.
At the wire, Big Lagoon was a clear five lengths ahead of Boss Emong with War Cannon taking third and Magtotobetsky snatching fourth.
Time of the race was two minutes and five seconds with splits of 25’-24’-24’-24-26’.
Incidentally, this was also Ruben Tupas’ eleventh Gold Cup victory.
“Congratulations to Big Lagoon for the victory and it was indeed a very exciting race. Rest assured that the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office will be working hand-in-hand with the Philracom to bring the racing public more exciting races in future,” PCSO general manager Mel Robles said.
