Anybody’s race in Juvenile Stakes Race at Sta. Ana

MANILA, Philippines - Fresh from a win in a major race, Subterranean River will go against seven other talented 2YO in the Philippine Racing Commission second leg Juvenile Fillies and Colts Stakes at Santa Ana Park in Naic, Cavite.

The filly owned by Wilbert Tan outran five others to win the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office 2YO Maiden race by a decisive five lengths last Sept. 12 at Metroturf Racecourse in Batangas.

Subterranean River competes against a different set of opponents including stablemate Homonhon Island, a colt; James Albert Dichaves’ filly Angela’s Magic; Aristeo Puyat’s colt Infinito; Deemark International’s colt Killer Hook; Erwin Dy’s colt Show The Whip; lawyer Narciso Morales’ colt Spectrum; and Antonio Tan Jr.’s filly This Time.

A stayer, Subterranean River could outlast the field in the 1,200-meter race. She will face stiff opposition from Spectrum, the winner of the first leg of the Philracom Juvenile stakes series last Aug. 30 at San Lazaro Leisure Park.

However, as racing fans say, juvenile races are usually anybody’s race.

“This series is a chance,” said Philracom chairman Andrew Sanchez, “for racing fans to see who among the juveniles have the speed and determination that will carry them into the elite 3YO races next year. Perhaps one of these will be the next Triple Crown champion.”

Philracom allotted P1 million in total prizes for this race. The winner will receive P600,000, second placer P225,000, third P125,000, and fourth P50,000. There is also a purse of P30,000 for the breeder of the winning horse.

The third leg of the Philracom Juvenile series is split between colts and fillies, to be held on Oct. 25 at Metroturf over 1,400 meters. Likewise a split event is the 1,500-meter fourth leg on Nov. 22 at SLLP. The series culminates in a merged championship race over 1,600 meters on Dec. 13 at SLLP.