Real Spicy makes it real juicy

Real Spicy fashioned out an easy victory in a race he was heavily favored to win, ruling the Manila Jockey Club’s classic Gran Copa de Manila Division I race yesterday at the San Lazaro Leisure Park (SLLP) in Carmona, Cavite.

So dominating was Real Spicy’s victory that jockey JB Guce hardly used the whip in steering the four-year-old horse from dead last to a five-length victory over Ever Mine Now. He clocked 1:48 over 1,750 meters.

Not even the presence of imported horses like Dream Cross, Slatkis, La Tienne and coupled entry Ever Mine Now could shake off Real Spicy, who bolted out of the seven-horse field in fifth place and even reeled farther behind as they made the clubhouse turn.

It was only at the far turn when Real Spicy, the overwhelming favorite, started to make his move, sweeping past each rival with relative ease in the outermost side before leaving behind the field as they entered the homestretch.

Ever Mine Now tried to make a chase, to no avail as Real Spicy unleashed a stronger finishing kick on mere hand riding by Guce to win with plenty to spare.

The victory was worth P150,000 for owner Hermie Esguerra with Real Spicy joining the elite circle of winners in the event, the oldest and most prestigious local horse race outside of the Triple Crown.

La Tienne finished third followed by Slatkis, Dream Cross, Speed Advantage and Hellfire.

Earlier, slight favorite Batong Silyar held off Manhattan to win the Division II race in 1:36.5 over 1,525 meters. Lucky Joe finished third while Sutter’s Quest came in fourth. — Ramon Romualdez