Anybody's race in Triple Crown

Never has there been an assembly of talents clashing in one particular race, much less a leg of the local version of America's Triple Crown.

But they are all here - from Amphitheatre, to Hazmoore to High Roller to Wind Blown. And they are out to turn this much-hyped kickoff leg of this year's Triple Crown series, the Cojuangco Cup, into one classic, thrilling showdown for the top P1 million prize at the Santa Ana Park.

Thirteen chargers, all of whom have probably given the racing fans a glimpse of their abilities from a series of "prep" races and workouts, are in the fold in what could go down in the 23-year history of the event as the biggest-ever gathering of three-year-old colts and fillies.

It is, they say, a virtual showcase of the best thoroughbreds in the land in a one-mile race (1,600 meters) that will not only display the field's sprinting prowess or staying power but will likewise put in focus the skills of the country's top riders.

But what makes this event more exciting and truly an event to watch is that no horse holds a distinct advantage over the rest of the field with the only sure thing is no one is sure of who's going to win it.

In fact, the trainers, the very people who should know the abilities of these horses like basketball coaches on their key players, are divided as to their picks that further underscored the wide-open character of the event.

Some punters believe it will be a tossup among the veterans in the fold, but others insist it will not only be a question of experience but the skill of the riders as well as what the owners of 3-year-old Championship winner Rosa Morena did when they tapped ace jockey Antonio Alcasid to handle the charger after she lost as an outstanding favorite under Henry Castillo last month.

But then again, there remains a bevy of chargers out to make a statement, among them the vastly-improved Wind Blown and recent Sweepstakes winner Project Genesis. Completing the roster are Sweet Lover, Thundering Glory, October Sky, Strong Man, Materiales Fuertes, The Fox and Greely Good, all of whom are given a shot at the crown.