Kakisis, Mica Bonero win Dragonara Cup semis

Kakisis and Mica Bonero won the two major races yesterday, the semi-finals from the Dragonara Cup for Premier trotters on the 2,640m distance. Ten horses booked a berth in the final of this competition.

The first semi-final saw a keen tussle in the final 200 metres between favourite Kakisis (Johan Axisa), Think Yatzee and the fast-starting Kain Poifond.

Victory went to Kakisis which extended its winning streak to three consecutive races. Land Havaroche and My Red Force also qualified for the final stage.

There was also a close finish in the second semi final as Mica Bonero (Brian Hili) and favourite Play On Me (Julian Farrugia) increased their speed 400m from the finish line. The win was awarded to the former with Label Pont Vautier, Lou Petiot and Lipouz Lesmelchen finishing third, fourth and fifth respectively.

Mica Bonero thus registered its first win in Malta.

Yesterday’s meeting contained two Gold Class races on the 3,140m distance. In the first race, Count Of Life faltered in the final 200 metres and was overtaken by Mimile du Hamet (Darren Mizzi) that went on to claim its third win of the season.

My Danover and Kojak d’Isques were second and third respectively.

Major Luchois (Brian Hili) led all the way in the second Gold race and won by a length from G Force Son, Lord Of Rush and Kalipso Pierji.

Meanwhile, another eight-race meeting was held at the Marsa Racecourse on Friday evening.

Irish mare Mary Celest, ridden by Michael Sultana, took the honours in the only flat race, held on the short distance of 1,250m.

Another interesting race was that reserved for trotters on the 2,140m distance. Promising drivers, who have aspirations of obtaining a Malta Racing Club licence, were in charge of the participating horses in this race.

Sebastian Schembri drove Swedish veteran Mackbrain to its first win ot the season.

The next meeting will take place on Sunday. The first race is scheduled for 2 p.m.

Yesterday’s winners
Race 1: Copper, Larkay d’Echal (Julian Farrugia) – 1.19.3”.
Race 2: Bronze, Judoka du Rib (Joe Farrugia) – 1.19.9”.
Race 3: Silver, Emil Brebro (B. Zammit) – 1.19.2”.
Race 4: Gold, Mimile du Hamet (D. Mizzi) – 1.19.1”.
Race 5: Dragonara Cup SF, Kakisis (J. Axisa) – 1.15.7”.
Race 6: Gold, Major Luchois (B. Hili) – 1.19.6”.
Race 7: Dragonara Cup SF, Mica Bonero (B. Hili) – 1.17”.
Race 8: Bronze, Larissa du Breil (C. Calleja) – 1.20.1”.