In a fitting sendoff to the 2002 racing calendar, last week’s principal protagonists in the prestigious Presidential Gold Cup race, led by vanquished favorite Wind Blown and surprise cup conqueror Free Wind, get to renew their rivalry in the P1.67-million all-comers championship showdown set over 2,050 meters.
Wind Blown, which lost his chance to score a record three-peat victory in the Gold Cup last week, is out for redemption as he attempts to reclaim his title as the country’s premier galloper. The celebrated five-year-old charger owned by businessman-sportsman Hermie Esguerra hopes to bounce back from his recent defeat and will be partnered for the trip by a new rider in Miguel Recosana.
Big revelation Free Wind, who is currently hot on a 10-race win streak, hopes to further extend his winning run and prove that his recent Gold Cup victory was no fluke. The classy three-year-old colt owned by Robert Liong will be ridden anew by currently suspended jockey Joe Noel Camu, who got another one-race reprieve for being the originally declared rider of Free Wind prior to his suspension.
Sharing the limelight with Wind Blown and Free Wind are nine other top-notch gallopers, including five imports and four seasoned local-breds, in a battle-royale of the top performers in the year’s open handicap set.
The import charge is led by streaking Audrey’s Savings (AUS) and her stablemate Jade Louise (AUS), recent All Import Championship Race winner Triregal (AUS) and runner-up Buena Sera (AUS) and seasoned import group campaigner Legend of Gaia (JPN). The other locals in the field include Gold Cup placers Lyonnais and Hyperbid, as well as, noted chargers Silver Story and San Diego Force.