Yesterday's card at Marsa consisted of no fewer than eight heats, all on the 2,140m distance, from the Tazza l-Kbira, a championship reserved for Premier and Gold class trotters only.

The first five from each heat, plus another eight with the next best timings, qualified for the quarter-finals. Noel Baldacchino was the meeting's top driver yesterday with two wins.

Heat 1: Joker Pitstop (Chris Xerri) surprised Royal Pointer in the very last few metres to clinch victory.

Staro Tonic was third ahead of Jajolet and Gigo Lloyd.

Heat 2: A strong dash along the final straight earned Lawrence Crown (Noel Baldacchino) a second win in its third race in Malta.

Lawrence Crown was closely followed on the finishing line by Emil Brebro. Kaprius Du Perreux, Agobra Bingo and Race Ball also qualified.

Heat 3: Favourite Think Yatzee (Clint Vassallo) chalked up its third victory in its last fourth outings after jumping into the lead midway through the straight for home.

Also through to the next stage are Kamis de l'Eveche, Kosai L.J., Ksar and Kaki De Peyrahout.

Heat 4: A duel between Red River (Charlo Debono) and Lover Boy Index along the last 150m ended in a win for the former trotter. Ville Peson, Lindsy Neve and Noble Spirit joined the top two in the quarter-finals.

Heat 5: Newcomer Arnie Sensation (Carmelo Farrugia) took the lead some 500m from the post and proceeded to win notwithstanding the challenge of Indian Wedding, the eventual runner-up. Also qualified were Hudson Blue, Kheops d'Ariane and Bello Fratello.

Heat 6: In Vitro Du Bourg (Ivan Bilocca) registered a very comfortable six-length win after going into the lead a lap from home.

L'Ideal De Fersan, Keos Du Touquet, Kiki Du Bois Morin and Janville were also through.

Heat 7: A final dash involving no fewer than five trotters ended up with Kandy Du Fruitier passing the post first. This trotter, however, was later disqualified and first place was awarded to Kosker Mancellerie (Benny Briffa).

Glory Cowboyland, Tough East, Permit Hanover and Special Attention also qualified.

Heat 8: Iris Du Louvet was the winner here after taking the lead early on. This was Iris Du Louvet's third victory in its last four races.

The next meeting is scheduled for Sunday at 1.30 p.m.

Yesterday's winners

Race 1: Copper, King Size Spender (N. Baldacchino).

Race 2: heat, Joker Pitstop (C. Xerri).

Race 3: heat, Lawrence Crown (N. Baldacchino).

Race 4: heat, Think Yatzee (C. Vassallo).

Race 5: heat, Red River (C. Debono).

Race 6: heat, Arnie Sensation (Carmelo Farrugia).

Race 7: heat, In Vitro Du Bourg (I. Bilocca).

Race 8: heat, Kosker Mancellerie (B. Briffa).

Race 9: heat, Iris Du Louvet (J. Farrugia).