Kamis de l'Eveche, James de l'Iton win Premier class semi-finals

The ten all-trotting events at the Marsa racetrack yesterday, all on the rather long 2,640m distance, included two Premier Prix De Vincennes semi-finals and another two semis for Gold Prix D'Enghien. These competitions are reserved for French trotters only.

In the first Premier semi-final, newcomer Kakisis led from the start up to 600m away from the post but at this point it got disqualified for breaking, thus opening the way for Kamis de l'Eveche and In Vitro Du Bourg to challenge for first place.

The photo finish verdict went in favour of Kamis de l'Eveche, driven by Salvu Vella. Jajolet and Kosker Manchellerie also qualified.

Noel Baldacchino was behind favourite James de L'Iton's victory in the other Premier semi-final.

This trotter jumped into the lead 500m from the post to clinch victory despite the final efforts of second horse in Joker de Choisel. The other two to book a place in the final were Hiracan de Brehan and Knock de Manche.

A strong dash along the final straight earned L'Ideal de Fersan (Karl Caruana) victory in the first Gold semi-final. The other three to qualify for the final were Let's Go Dance, Kaki de Peyrahout and Intrus des Riolts.

Veteran driver Frenċu Cassar managed to get the best out of Litchi du Vivier along the last 150m to clinch victory in the second Prix D'Enghien semi-final. The other trotters to reach the final were King Boy Du Dane and Ksar.

Meanwhile, Frans Gauci's Magnum registered its third win on the trot when winning the first Silver Prix De Cabourg semi-final after leading all the way. Man Quick, Leo De Gratens and Karl Borealis were second, third and fourth respectively.

Lutan Villetot (Charles Camilleri) won the other Silver semi-final. It was followed on the finishing line by Jollity, Mambo De Chrismi and Jump of Glory.

No races will be held next weekend.

Yesterday's winners

Race 1: Copper, Tapincha (J. Debattista).
Race 2: Bronze, Photo Agent (F. Cassar).
Race 3: Bronze, Rybo Juvel (J. Farrugia).
Race 4: Silver semi-final, Magnum (F. Gauci).
Race 5: Gold semi-final, L'Ideal de Fersan (K. Caruana).
Race 6: Premier semi-final, Kamis de L'Eveche (S. Vella).
Race 7: Gold semi-final, Litchi du Vivier (F. Cassar).
Race 8: Premier semi-final, James de L'Iton (N. Baldacchino).
Race 9: Silver semi-final, Lutan Villetot (C. Camilleri).
Race 10: Silver, Breeze Brodde (C. Camilleri).