Bagatsing, Lakambini races today

MANILA, Philippines - A lean but mean field of six will dispute today the first Ramon D. Bagatsing Memorial stakes race, the main event of a six-day racing festival honoring the late Manila Mayor and horseracing friend at the new Santa Ana Park in Naic, Cavite.

Oh Wacky, Action Sailor, Red Ransom, Lively Dude, King Amadeo and Megamax make up the cast disputing the top prize of P420,000 out of the total pot of P700,000.

To be ridden again by veteran Joe Noel Camu, Oh Wacky is expected to set out as top favorite in the 1700-meter race following his seven-length triumph over Boudica and 11 others in the Hopeful Stakes 2 last month at the San Lazaro Leisure Park.

On Wednesday night, multi-titled Don Enrico overwhelmed four imported runners under regular partner Fernando Racquel, Jr. to win the Division 2 title and the prize of P300,000. 

Elated by the success of the racefest, the Bagatsing family, led by Manila congressman Amado Bagatsing and former congressman Dondon Bagatsing, has promised to make this a regular affair at this time of the year.

“We would like to thank the long line of friends and entities who helped us make this affair a big success. We hope this racing festival will become one of the highly-awaited events in our racing calendar in the near future,” said Congressman Bagatsing.

The other prizes are P157,500 for second, P87,500 for third and P35,000 for fourth.

Tipped to provide the strongest challenge to Oh Wacky is Red Ransom, who came in only fourth as top favorite in the 1900-meter Hopeful Stakes 2.

Aside from the Philracom, others who backed the festival are DENR Secretary Lito Atienza, Smart, Department of Tourism, Pagcor, PCSO, Marho, Klub Don Juan de Manila, Philtobo, Aristeo Puyat, Leonardo Javier, Eric Tagle, Hermie Esguerra, Antonio de Ubago, Rodolfo Pineda, Jun Sevilla, Eduardo Francisco, Ryan Bagatsing, Robbie Oca, the Channel Group, Maynilad, Euromed, Philippine Tourism Authority, Bing Tecson and DMCI Homes.

Meanwhile, Multiple stakes winning Heaven Sent tries to secure her lock at this year’s filly title as she takes on the challenge of undefeated division rival Nuclear Power in the P1.2-million Philracom “Lakambini”.

Coming off a huge win in the third and final leg of this year’s Triple Crown Championship, Heaven Sent is currently at the forefront of the money leader board with winnings in excess of P4.6-million from five victories in seven outings.

The quick-stepping gray filly by proven sire Heza Gone West (USA) out of Kiss and Run (USA) by Silver Deputy is owned by a syndicate of horse owners led by Rita Pilapil.

Nuclear Power, the 2008 Juvenile Filly champion, recently returned to the track after an extended layoff due to an injury suffered following her rousing victory in the 2008 Klub Don Juan de Manila Juvenile Fillies over Heaven Sent.

The unbeaten progeny of celebrated champion galloper Wind Blown out of My Sweet Girl (USA) by Caveat (USA) easily won her comeback race last Aug. 4 at the SCLP and looks ready to take on the challenge of her more seasoned rival.

Nuclear Power campaigns out of the powerhouse Esguerra racing stable and is being conditioned by veteran trainer Clarito Alvarez.