The Premier Class race was the highlight of yesterday’s second meeting of the season at the Marsa Racetrack. Favourite Think Yatzee, driven by Clint Vassallo, won the top event. The 10-race meeting included a flat race on the short distance of 1,250m.
Melino du Rib (Noel Baldacchino) surged ahead in the early stages of the Premier race.
This French 11-year-old trotter opened a length lead from Flash Coger (Julian Farrugia) and Swedish newcomer Affe Fager (Brian Zammit). But, with 400m to go, Think Yatzee (Vassallo) began to increase its pace and registered its second consecutive win from Flash Coger and Affe Fager.
Arnie Sensation (Carmelo Farrugia) was fourth. The winner clocked an average of 1.16.1” per kilometre.
Six horses lined up for the flat race. Minnow, ridden by Michael Sultana, was fastest out of the blocks. With 400m to go to the finish, this English mare started to slow down and was overtaken by Tarruji (Oliver Briffa) which won by a length. Lordswood (Eric Zammit) and Irish newcomer Virginia Med (Charles Pace) finished third and fourth respectively.
Gold Class trotters were involved in two races yesterday. French debutant Nobel Pasmarick (Baldacchino) sprinted well midway through the final straight of the first Gold class race. This horse cruised to its first win in Malta from L’Un des Olivettes (Julian Farrugia), Big Hit (Charlò Debono) and French Notre Allegro (Michael Ghigo). The latter was also making its debut at Marsa.
In the second Gold Class race, Kojak d’Isques (Charles Camilleri) stormed ahead midway through the final straight and won from Count of Life (Michael Ellul) and Lucky d’Hercla (Clifforty Calleja). Intrus des Rioults (Carmelo Micallef) took fourth place.
Another racing programme is scheduled for Sunday at the Marsa Racetrack. The card will consist of 10 races, all for trotters, with the first one starting at 1.30 p.m.
Yesterday’s winners
Race 1: Copper, Jeans de Bannes (C. Debono).
Race 2: Bronze, Marchallach (P. Gauci).
Race 3: Bronze, Notre Bellouet (C. Gerada).
Race 4: Flat, Tarruji (O. Briffa).
Race 5: Silver, Kalipso Pierji (M. Ellul).
Race 6: Gold, Nobel Pasmarick (N. Baldacchino).
Race 7: Bronze, High Speed Night (C. Camilleri).
Race 8: Premier, Think Yatzee (C. Vassallo).
Race 9: Gold, Kojak d’Isques (C. Camilleri).
Race 10: Silver, Geronimos Cadillac (N. Baldacchino).