Figaro Speed wins top race
Four trotters, three French and a Swede, made their debuts on the local trotting scene during yesterday's Class A1 race at Marsa. This event had one of the most exciting finishes ever seen at the racetrack, involving no fewer than five horses, all on...
Four trotters, three French and a Swede, made their debuts on the local trotting scene during yesterday's Class A1 race at Marsa. This event had one of the most exciting finishes ever seen at the racetrack, involving no fewer than five horses, all on the same line more or less.
All eight scratch trotting races yesterday were on the 2,640-metre distance and the only flat race on the card was run over 1,640 metres.
Noel Baldacchino put Figaro Speed immediately into the lead in the Class A1 race. With some 1,000 metres to go Schack Broline managed to overtake the then leading trotter but Figaro Speed soon regained its lead, going on to defend its top position with difficulty due to the challenge from the other contenders.
In the end, Figaro Speed went on to claim its second win on the trot, covering the distance at an average speed of 1:18.6 per kilometre. Schack Broline, Drabant Are and newcomer Florissant finished in that order behind the winner.
Prince Action looked set to win the Class A race but was overtaken midway through the final straight by Charles Camilleri's El Amor which went on to win both the day's honours and promotion to Class A1.
Class B was more or less a repeat of Class A. This time it was Linus Car, driven by George Schembri, which won after surprising favourite Djinn Marcos Milo.
Young lady jockey, Sara Borg, is fast gaining reputation in local flat racing. Yesterday, she registered her third success in a row after riding Mic Mar to victory, taking the lead half-way through the distance.
Noel Baldacchino was the best driver with two wins yesterday. There will be no races this weekend. The next meeting is scheduled for April 20.
Yesterday's winners
Race 1, Class H - Popello (G. Attard).
Race 2, Class F - Edelweiss Staedly (F. Cutajar).
Race 3, Class D - Pireas Pride (C. Degiorgio).
Race 4, Class C - Yakin (J. Farrugia).
Race 5, Class A1 - Figaro Speed (N. Baldacchino).
Race 6, Class B - Linus Car (G. Schembri).
Race 7, flat - Mic Mar (S. Borg).
Race 8, Class A - El Amor (C. Camilleri).
Race 9, Class C - Speedy Zodiac (N. Baldacchino).