Stellar cast vies in KDJM

MANILA, Philippines - Nine chargers, led by Triple Crown campaigners Yes Pogi and Carriedo, battle it out in the ninth Klub Don Juan de Manila derby presented by Fontana Leisure Park and Casino at the San Lazaro track in Carmona, Cavite on Sunday.

Jessie Guce, one of the top riders in the land today, pilots the Hermie Esguerra-owned Carriedo, the son of Deputy Bodman out of Astuce who actually spoiled a TC sweep bid by Yes Pogi and Ferdinand Raquel in the third leg last July.

Yes Pogi will be ridden by veteran Manolito Daquis as the duo tries to make up for a shock loss as an outstanding favorite to another Esguerra entry, Multiply, in the fifth leg of the Locals-Imported Challenge series two weeks ago.

Imports Our Solemn Prayer and Next Big Thing will be out to foil the top local chargers’ bid in the event.

Meanwhile, two other big stakes races are on tap for the day as part of the celebrations of the KDJM week, backed by Magic Millions, which culminates in a 13-race program.

John Alvin Guce will be on top of Our Solemn Prayer, a noted stayer from the US sired by Songandaprayer out of I’m Sweeter, while Jeffryl Zarate will handle Next Big Thing in the 2,000-meter race supported by KDJM member Norman Ng.

A wide-open race, meanwhile, looms in the Don Antonio Floirendo Golden Girls Stakes featuring 12 entries out to join a select group of winners that included import Wild Orchid.

My Hope, a filly who won last year’s Derby, is entered in the Golden Girls and will be handled by Cesar Tamano as they renew an old feud with Botbo whom they beat in the Derby.

Val Dilema handles Botbo in the 1,900-meter race that lists the veteran Heaven Sent as a longshot bet.

A Juvenile Fillies’ and Colts’ race offering a total pot of P1 million will precede the Derby with Arvin Dugo, who will be under Zarate, fancied in the Colts and couple entries Divisoria and Dimasalang tipped in the Fillies. side.