WHILE Transform looms as the top favorite, an elite cast of thoroughbreds will be out there to challenge the prized horse of celebrated owner Herminio Esguerra in the first leg of the Triple Crown on Sunday at the Metro Manila Turf Club, Inc. in Malvar, Batangas.
Under the expert handling of jockey John Sahjed de Ocampo, the filly sired by Juggling out of Liquid Oxygen proved her mettle earlier, ruling the Road to Triple Crown stakes race last April over the same 1,600-meter distance and track in the event sanctioned by the Philippine Race Commission.
Among those expected to contest Transform for the top prize of P2.1 million out of the P6 million total pot is comebacking Constatic Offer, which dominated the juvenile races, winning two legs in the 2024 season.
Owned and bred by Antonio Tan and with veteran jockey Oneal Cortez on the saddle, Constatic Offer could be Transform’s main challenge, although other contenders such as Black Jack, Cole is Right, Midnight Bell, Segou Touln and Vinalot Eyu can’t be overlooked.
With veteran rider Conrad Henson on top, Black Jack, owned by Lamberto Almeda, was impressive in a stakes race held at the Metro Manila Turf Club last April 27.
Noted breeder and owner Benjamin Abalos Jr. is also fielding two entries in El Jaleo and Mastery.
