Crucis rules Jockey Elias race as expected

MANILA, Philippines - Crucis lived up to her billing as she dominated the field to rule the Jockey Elias “Eleng” Ordiales race in MetroTuft in Malvar, Batangas Saturday.

Sent as the top pick in an eight-horse field, the five-year-old mare by Southern Image out of Dixie Parade grabbed the lead from Close To Hallie in the backstretch and never looked back to win pulling away.

She clocked two minutes over the 2,000-meter race with quartertimes of 24’-24-23’23-25. The victory is her sixth straight with jockey Jeff Zarate, netting P300,000 for owner Marlon Cunanan.

The race served as the fifth and last leg of the 2013 Philracom Imported-Local Challenge Series.

The victory also made her one of the early favorites in the Amb. Eduardo Cojuangco Cup.

Second favorite and former imported champion Juggling Act checked in second and took home P112,500 while Sliotar finished third for P62,500 and Tritanic salvaged fourth place worth P25,000.

Botbo came in fifth while Close to Hallie and Nefertiti struggled to finish sixth and seventh, respectively.