Yes Pogi, Carriedo head Bagatsing Cup

MANILA, Philippines - Big-time racing returns to the Santa Ana Park in Naic, Cavite tonight with the staging of the second Mayor Ramon D. Bagatsing Memorial Racing Day, a special event dedicated to a man who did a lot for the local horseracing industry.

Organized by his sons Manila congressman Amado and Ramon, the evening program is made up of eight races, including two stakes events that will feature 2010 Triple Crown standouts like Yes Pogi and Carriedo and imported gallopers headed by Batang Tundo and Mooney Money.

Yes Pogi, who won the first two legs of this year’s “Triple” only to lose in the third and final jewel last month, takes on nemesis Carriedo, Thotis Best, Air of Distinction and Real Winner in the P700,000 Ramon D. Bagatsing Memorial Cup 1 to be disputed over 1,700 meters.

Aside from Batang Tundo and Mooney Money, others vying in the RDB Memorial Cup II where a cash pot of P500,000 is on the line are Fierce Fighter, Juggling Act, Multiply, Gentle Irony and Dailies.

Six trophy races with added prize of P50,000 complete the racing program sponsored by Philippine Racing Commission, PCSO, Pagcor, Herma Farms of businessman Hermie Esguerra, Smart, Red Bull Energy Drink, Euromed and Pocari Sweat.

This is the second straight year that the family of the late Manila mayor is spearheading the staging of the event honoring a famous horse lover and owner whose birthday anniversary is celebrated today.

Yes Pogi and Carriedo will set out as the hottest choices for the top prize of P450,000 in Division 1 as they meet again a few weeks after their memorable duel in the third leg of the Triple Crown.

Carriedo, who missed the first two legs because of a minor leg injury, outkicked the hot-finishing Yes Pogi in the closing strides to win by a nose and deny the latter the chance to become only the ninth horse since 1978 to sweep the TC series.