Wind Blown guns for 3-peat

It’s all systems go for local racing’s summer classic as the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), in cooperation with the Philippine Racing Club, Inc. (PRCI), sets the stage for tomorrow’s much-awaited running of the eighth PCSO First Gentleman’s Silver Cup at the Santa Ana Park.

Headlined no less by local racing’s most celebrated galloper Wind Blown, back-to back winner of the prestigious PCSO Silver Cup in 2001 and 2002, tomorrow’s featured main event will carry a total prize pot of P1.7-million, with P1.1-million guaranteed to the winner.

Three-time Horse of the Year titlist Wind Blown takes aim at a record third straight victory in the coveted Cup, having ruled the last two editions of the race in dominating fashion. Unlike the last two runnings of the Silver Cups however, Wind Blown is not facing any serious challenge this year other than the heavy handicap weight of 62 kgs. He would have to carry over 2,050 meters.

Wind Blown will start his historic bid from the outermost post, having drawn stall number 7. Jockey Fernando Raquel Jr., the champ’s rider in his last two Silver Cup victories, will again partner the multi-titled 6-year-old horse by Hazm (USA) out of Wind in my Hair (USA).