Maltese drivers win two races but French lead on points
In Vitro Du Bourg makes it four in a row
The four MRC-SECF encounter races between Maltese and French drivers were the highlight of yesterday's meeting at Marsa. The card also included two semi-finals from the Premier Class Prix De Vincennes.
Although Maltese drivers won two of the four international races, the French ended the day top of the standings with 150 points. The Maltese totalled 70.
First place in the opening international race went to Rodney Gatt. He kept Fraekke Siem in the lead from start to finish.
The second MRC-SECF race was dominated by the visitors who clinched the top four places.
Franck Blandin led Imerieux to victory after a last-gasp duel with compatriot Bernard Piton, driving Whiz Kid.
Gozitan Mario Bugeja was the winner of the third encounter race behind Rybo Rosebuddy. Piton was second with Keep Haufor and Vercruysse, holding the reins of Clever Forever, third.
Blandin then pushed Pamir Point into the lead midway through the distance and maintained first place till the finishing line, followed by Vercruysse and Piton who were in charge of Trombone Kall and Brightlight Sib respectively.
In Vitro Du Bourg, driven as usual by James Carabott, gained its fourth success on the trot yesterday when winning the first Prix De Vincennes Premier Class semi-final.
Ilik De Baconval, Jajolet and Ianosito, in that order, also qualified for the final.
Jewel Magic looked set to take first place in the other semi-final but Just Bourbon, guided by veteran Frencu Cassar, produced a strong attack to snatch victory. Janville and Jet De Mee also booked their place in the final.
Yesterday's winners
Race 1: Qualification Race, 2,140m - Success Nag (J. Farrugia).
Race 2: Silver 2 (Assikura Insurance), 2,140m - Super Swede (N. Baldacchino).
Race 3: Silver 1 (Assikura Insurance), 2,140m - Aioli Gorgeous (M. Desira).
Race 4: MRC-SECF Encounter Race (Gold 3), 2,140m - Fraekke Siem (R. Gatt).
Race 5: Premier Class Prix De Vincennes, 2,640m - In Vitro Du Bourg (J. Carabott).
Race 6: MRC-SECF Encounter Race (Gold 2), 2,140m - Imperieux (F. Blandin).
Race 7: Premier Class Prix De Vincennes, 2,640m - Just Bourbon (F. Cassar).
Race 8: Gold 5, 2,140m - Chilly Beast (H. Mckay).
Race 9: MRC-SECF Encounter Race (Silver 1), 2,140m - Rybo Rosebuddy (M. Bugeja).
Race 10: MRC-SECF Encounter Race (Silver 3), 2,140m - Pamir Point (F. Blandin).