Think Yatzee, Bello Fratello top semis

Eight of the 10 trotting events on yesterday's card were semi-finals from the U*Bet Championships reserved for Swedish trotters.

Victory in the first Premier semi-final went to a newcomer to Maltese racing, Think Yatzee, driven by Clint Vassallo. Despite taking an early lead, Think Yatzee had to go all out in the final metres to head off the final surge of second horse in Staro Tonic. Widget and Special Attention also qualified for the final.

In the second semi-final, newcomer Red River looked set to clinch victory after leading from the start but in the final metres, it was overtaken by three horses. Bello Fratello, led by Anthony Spagnol, was first past the post ahead of second-placed Schejken Bill and Hudso Blue in third. Red River placed fourth.

In the open Premier event, Joker De Choisel, under the control of veteran driver Frenċu Cassar, surged ahead of the field in final straight. Inkato, in its first race in Malta, was second with James De L'Iton third.

Julian Farrugia's Royal Pointer won the first Gold semi after leading for most of the distance. Charlie Smitt, Tough East and Noble Spirit took the remaining qualifying spots.

First place in the second Gold semi-final went to Emil Brebro, its second successive win. BWT Mensroom, Lajos Useful and Freak also booked their place in the final.

The next meeting is scheduled for Friday at 7 p.m.

Yesterdays winners

Race 1: Bronze 3, 2,640m - Locco Del Sol (F. Cutajar).
Race 2: Swedish U*Bet Championship Bronze, 2,140m - Lass Peace (R. Gatt).
Race 3: U*Bet Championship Premier, 2,140m - Think Yatzee (C. Vassallo).
Race 4: U* Bet Championship Silver, 2,140m - VIP River (C. Camilleri).
Race 5: U*Bet Championship Bronze, 2,140m - Rybo Linus (S. Vella).
Race 6: Premier, 2,140m - Joker De Choisel (F. Cassar).
Race 7: U*Bet Championship Gold, 2,140m - Royal Pointer (J. Farrugia).
Race 8: U*Bet Championship Premier, 2,140m - Bello Fratello (A. Spagnol).
Race 9: U*Bet Championship Silver, 2,140m - Agobra Bingo (F. Portelli).
Race 10: U*Bet Championship Gold, 2,140m - Emil Brebro (B. Zammit).