For Immediate Release

POMONA, Calif., Sept. 28--Asong for Billy, claimed by trainer Paul Aguirre

three starts back for $40,000, won his third consecutive race Saturday and

his biggest yet, taking the 48th edition of the $100,000 Pomona Derby by 1

3/4 lengths under jockey Iggy Puglisi.

Asong for Billy, a 3-year-old Kentucky-bred gelded son of Unbridled Song,

rated in third early in the about 1 1/8-mile race, moved into second as the

field turned for home, then wore down pacesetting Splendid Times at the 16th

marker to win going away.

"I looked over at the (tote) board the first time around and saw he (Splendid

Times) was going pretty slow and I just wanted to keep my eye on him," said

Puglisi, who was winning his fourth stakes at the meet. "This horse really

bore down the last eighth of a mile. He straightened out and switched leads

and really took off. He's a nice horse."

Splendid Times, ridden by Corey Nakatani, held second, a length in front of

Sunkosi. Paxtecum, the 2-1 favorite under David Flores, finished fourth,

followed by Bold Mango, Chory Four, Six G's, Highly Suspect,

Mutinyonthebounty and Fonz's.

Asong For Billy, owned by Wongs Stable, earned $55,000 for his third win from

five starts. He covered the distance on a fast track in 1:50.12 under 116

pounds and paid $12 to win. Splendid Times set fractions of 24.35, 48.88,

1:14.08 and 1:37.97.

No hit hit the Pick Six on Saturday, creating a carryover to Sunday, closing

day, of $106,972. There will be a mandatory payoff.

Sigfreto is the 5-2 morning line favorite for Sunday's closing-day feature,

the 24th edition of the $100,000 Ralph M. Hinds Pomona Invitational Handicap

at about 1 1/8 miles.

Unbeaten in two races at Fairplex, Sigfreto will be ridden by Matt Garcia,

who is seeking his fifth stakes win of the meet. Hot Market and Reba's Gold,

the highweights at 119 pounds each, are close on the line at 3-1 and 7-2,

respectively. The field in post position order: Sigfreto, Garcia, 117, 5-2;

Reba's Gold, David Flores, 119, 7-2; Hook Call, Danny Sorenson, 113, 30-1;

Hot Market, Jose Valdivia Jr., 119, 3-1; Out of Mind, Chance Rollins, 116,

12-1; Nates Colony, Martin Pedroza, 117, 6-1; San Nicholas, Tyler Baze, 115,

20-1; Most Likely, Omar Berrio, 115, 15-1; and Dig For It, 116, 6-1.

First post time Sunday is 12:30 p.m.

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