Kid Molave snares Juvenile race plum

KID MOLAVE made a swashbuckling charge down the stretch to rule the 2013 Philracom Juvenile Championship last Sunday at MetroTurf, home of the Metro Manila Turf Club, in Malvar, Batangas.

After moving within striking distance of the leaders, the two-year-old island-born bay colt by Into Mischief out of Unsaid made his move from the outer rail at the far turn and caught up with pacesetters Skyway and Barcelona.

Kid Molave eventually grabbed the lead in the mad dash for home and crossed the payoff wire the winner by three lengths.

The victory was worth P1.5 million for owner Manny Santos, who was represented by his stable manager Valentino Yu during the awarding ceremony.

Santos also bagged P1.8 million when Kid Molave topped the 2013 Philtobo 2-Year-Old Championship earlier this month.

“I felt that we’re going to win at the far turn because my horse still had more to give,” said jockey Jonathan Hernandez. “I eased off only in the straight because we’ve pulled away for good.”

Hernandez replaced jockey Jesse Guce, the Philippine Sportswriters Association’s Jockey of the Year, who opted to ride his regular stable’s entry, Barcelona, who checked in second for P562,500.

“I’m glad that our hard work with this horse paid off,” said winning trainer Egoy Hipolito.

Third was the longshot Castle Cat, ridden by Chris Garganta, who picked up P312,500. Fourth placer Skyway, the top favorite who was partnered by Mark Alvarez, bagged P125,000.

The other finishers in the 1,600-meter championship in order were Kukurukuku Paloma, Mr. Bond, Hello Patrick, The Lady Wins, Up And Away, Fairy Star, High Grader, Mabsoy, Matang Tubig and Love Na Love.

Philracom commissioners Jess Cantos, Lyndon Guce and Eddie Jose were assisted by MMTCI senior vice president Rudy Prado in awarding the trophies to the winning connection.

The races, supported by 12 Trophy Races sponsored by MetroTurf’s friends, generated P37.3 million in sales. Roy Luarca