Morales pulls away; Hernandez grabs lead

MANILA, Philippines -  Drawing big wins from his promising juveniles, businessman-sportsman Narciso Morales pulled away in money winnings among owners even as veteran Jonathan Hernandez overtook Mark Alvarez in the jockeys category as of end-September.

Victories by Spectrum in the second leg of the Juvenile series and by Hot Dog in the PCSO Maiden race in September gave Morales a cool P1.2 million in prizes, boosting his nine-month earnings to P12,601,439 and virtually leaving Jade Bros. Farm (P9,468,362) and Aristeo Puyat (P8,041,885) with nothing to fight for but runner-up honors.

Hernandez, a two-time PSA Jockey of the Year awardee, took over the No. 1 spot among jockeys with total earnings of P2,991,626 built around 136 wins in 569 rides. He dislodged long-time leader Mark Alvarez, who fell to second spot with P2,963,569.

According to a Philracom report for September, Jeffril Zarate took third spot in earnings with P2,631,509.

“My team is delighted to see our horses perform well in stakes or regular races. We’re doing our best to prepare them well and not to disappoint their backers,” said Morales, who had finished on top in winnings two times in the past.

Morales, the hands-down-winner of the Philracom’s Most Reputable Owner award last year, made special mention of Spectrum and Hot Dog who are expected to be among the top candidates for the Triple Crown series starting next May.

“I hope they stay healthy and in good form. I haven’t produce a winner yet (in the Triple Crown). I pray one of them will be my first,” added Morales.

There were no changes in the trainers’ category as Ruben Tupas continued to show the way with earnings of P3,009,572 after saddling 186 winners, followed by Dave dela Cruz with P1,788,309 and Arturo Sordan Jr with P1,649,365.