"It’s definitely go for the 2003 staging of the Mitra Cup Championships," Bienvenido "Nonoy" Niles, president of the organizing Philippine Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Organization, confirmed yesterday. "The Philtobo board decided to move the date and change the venue to give more time to horseowners and breeders to prepare their entries. We want to give everybody a chance to join this event."
Niles added that six major championships will be disputed in the racing spectacle being held annually to honor the late Speaker Ramon Mitra Jr., one of the founding members and prime movers of the prestigious horseowners-breeders group.
On tap in the event backed by the Philippine Racing Commission, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office and host Philippine Racing Club Inc. are the Juvenile Colts, Juvenile Fillies, 3-Year-Old Colt, 3-Year Old Fillies, Imports and the Classic.
A total pot of P500,000 has been allotted for each of the major races where the country’s top gallopers are expected to see action.
Among the early nominees are Don Paolo, Flying Jordan, Last Hazm, Sir Brendan Jean, Empire King and Kuya Nandy in the Juvenile Colts; Cat’s Jewel, I Love This Game, Cool Runnings, Paramount and Cover Girl in the Juvenile Fillies; High Octane, Money Line, Security Master, Sir Pierre, Laughing Mater, Savvy Lad, Iverson and With Distinction in the 3-Year-Old Colts; and Crystal City, War Hero, Roadshow, Sister Act, Galapagos, Strong Lady, Ruthless, Tatler Cover and Twister in the Three-Year-Old Fillies.
Expected to join the Imports race are Midnight Lady, Absolute Charmer, Neat Laurel, Crystal Show, Cosanne, Triregal and All for Glory, while Free Wind and Golden Ballet are among those tipped to be entered in the Classic.
Multi-titled Wind Blown has earlier been predicted to run in the Classic but a recent injury made him a doubtful starter in the much-awaited race.
Philtobo vice president Francisco "Koko" Cayco said that registration/declaration is still going on and interested parties may call the Philtobo office (899-8313) for more details.
Among the early favorites in their respective brackets are Don Paolo (Juvenile Colts), Cat’s Jewel and I Love This Game (Juvenile Fillies), High Octane and Security Master (3-YO Colts and War Hero, Crystal City, Roadshow and Strong Lady (3-YO Fillies); Midnight Lady and Absolute Charmer (Imports) and Free Wind (Classic).