Yes Pogi tops Klub Don Juan derby

MANILA, Philippines - Yes Pogi rallied from back of the pack to beat Next Best Thing by a length and rule the Klub Don Juan de Manila Derby presented by Fontana Hot Spring and Casino at the San Lazaro Leisure Park in Carmona, Cavite last Sunday.

Sent as the top favorite in a nine-horse field, Yes Pogi came charging back in their second trip at the far turn, caught up with the fading Carriedo at the top of the final stretch before nipping Next Best Thing at the wire.

The three-year-old island born colt by Rum Tum Tiger out of Belle Epoque, expertly handled by regular partner Manolito Daquis, timed two minutes and 6.6 seconds for the lung-busting 2,000-meter journey and took the top P840,000 purse. He had quartertimes of 24, 23’, 26’, 25 and 27.

An Australian colt by Footstepsinthesand out of Wooden Nickel, Next Big Thing led from the start and came so close to posting an upset but just couldn’t thwart the on-rushing Yes Pogi.

Carriedo lost steam chasing Next Best Thing majority of the race and struggled to finish third.

Dailies joined the day’s big winners by topping the Don Antonio Floirendo Golden Girls Stakes, beating Magic Minx.

Indy’s Task ruled the Juvenile Fillies, while Lord of War pulled off the day’s biggest shocker in the Colts race.