Morales out of reach; Hernandez remains in front

SPORTSMAN-businessman Narciso O. Morales moved beyond reach  in number of wins and money winnings among horseowners even as Jonathan Hernandez kept his lead over Mark Alvarez in the jockeys’ division  of an eventful season that is about to end.

Morales has amassed 89 victories and posted 107 second, 106 third and 135 fourth place finishes at the end of November, bringing his total prize money to P16,457,665, and pulled away in the division which he had dominated since August.

“As our Christmas gift to fans, we’ll continue to make our horses in top shape  whether they’re running in stakes or regular races,” said Morales, a well-respected horse lover who was named as the Philippine Racing Commission’s (Philracom) Most Reputable Horseowner last year.

A Philracom report showed Mandaluyong City Mayor Benhur Abalos jumping to second spot past Jade Bros. Farm, but is far behind Morales with P11,543, 909 in winnings (57 wins, 34 second, 30 third and 20 fourth places). Jade Bros. Farm dropped to third spot with P10,995, 288 (79-65-74-70).

Close fight

It’s a close race among the jockeys as veteran Jonathan Hernandez stayed on top with P4,114, 250 in winnings (170-0122-104-83), just P471,073 more than Mark Alvarez, who has P3,643,177 (162-133-100-82) with still three big stakes races calendared this month.

Jeffril Zarate moved up to third place overall with P3,241,160 (169-108-86-70).

The great Ruben Tupas continued to lord it over in the trainers’ category with P3,934,241 in prizes built around 222 wins while the in-form Low Profile is tops among horses with prizes amounting to P4,955,220.

A two-time topnotcher in the past who’s noted for his  practice of fair play, Morales is the owner of promising juveniles Hot Dog and Spectrum and a slew of runners with amusing names such as Honey Where’s My Pants and One More Time Sweety .

A lawyer who’s into the bus and air transportation business, Morales is also noted for being in the forefront of a call to make changes in handicapping and fight against illegal bookies.

“The season has been good to the stable. I want to congratulate my team for preparing my horses well,” said Morales.

The standings as of the end of November:

Horseowners—1. N. Morales P16,457,665 (89-107-106-135); 2. B. Abalos P11,543,909 (57-34-30-20); 3. Jade Bros. Farm P10,995, 288 (79-65-74-70) 4. A. Puyat P9,502,477 (59-81-63-71) 5. W. Tan P9,486,350) (42-59-50-51)

Jockeys—1. J. Hernandez P4,114,250 (170-122-104-83) 2. M. Alvarez P3,643,177 (162-133-100-82) 3. J. Zarate P3,241,160 (169-108-86-70); 4. K. Abobo P3,026, 107 (111-120-117-96) 5. JB Guce P2,913,883 (116-139-126-96)

Trainers—1. R. Tupas P3,934,241; 2. D. dela Cruz P2,281,215; 3. CM Vicente P1,994,547; 4. A. Sordan P1,907,121; 5. D. Sordan P1,835,4653

Horses—1.Low Profile P4,955,220 (12 wins); 2. Court of Honor P4,016,984; 3. Subterranean River P3,562,500; 4. Gentle Irony P3,462,756; 5. Miss Brulay P2,289,203