INQUIRER Sports

THE RIVALRY BETWEEN DON ENRICO and Ibarra hits another high this Sunday when the multi-titled chargers slug it out again for the most precious jewel on the horseracing calendar? the Presidential Gold Cup?at the San Lazaro Leisure Park in Carmona, Cavite.

Don Enrico, son of former super horse Wind Blown, has a 2-1 record over Ibarra in their head-to-head duels this season, and the versatile horse bred by Hermie Esguerra is again listed as the logical top choice owing to an impressive string of wins lately.

The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, headed by chair Sergio Valencia, is staking a P2.35-million pot, with P1.5 million going to the winner of the gruelling 2,000-meter race.

Ferdinand Raquel mounts Don Enrico yet again, while Kelvin Abobo handles defending champion Ibarra, who missed sweeping the Triple Crown two years ago because of a career-threatening leg injury before returning last year to win this event.

Others in the compact field are Sword O? War, Dream Supreme, Dumadagungdong and Shining Fame, a long shot who could benefit greatly if the favorites decide to slug it out for the lead early.

John Alvin Guce rides Sword O? War, John Cordero will be Dream Supreme?s partner, Louie Balboa skippers Dumadagungdong while Jessie B. Guce handles Shining Fame.

Don Enrico, out of stakes ace Kayumanggi, beat Ibarra in the First Gentleman?s Cup and in the Garnet Stakes 2, with Ibarra?s only victory coming in the Philracom Commissioner?s Cup.