Several trotters reach U*Bet Champs finals

The 10 races on yesterday’s card at the Marsa Racetrack were from the U*Bet Championships, all on the 2,140m distance. David Ellul, Carl Caruana and Charles Camilleri were the meeting’s best drivers with two wins each.

The first of the three Gold heats went to Notice As, driven by Carl Caruana, which gained its second win on the trot thanks to a strong dash along the final metres. The Big Blue World and newcomer Jigsow also qualified for the final in that order.

The photo finish had to be consulted when three trotters, Livi Cantona, Lover Boy Index and Tornado Hornline passed the post closely together in the second Gold heat. The verdict went in favour of Julian Farrugia’s Livi Cantona which made it two wins in a row. Second place went to Lover Boy Index while Tornado Hornline was third.

There was quite a tight finish in the third and final Gold Class heat. It was anyone’s race midway through the final straight but Gentle Way, led by Eric Bezzina, stormed ahead in the very last metres. Mint Spirit and Kosai L.J. finished second and third respectively to book their place in the final.

Four trotters sprinted closely together in the last metres of the first Silver semi-final but it was Charles Camilleri’s Prince Brilliance that breezed past the post first.

Noble Spirit and Ironbar were second and third respectively. Bankir Zon and Kobber Dust also progressed to the final.

Gigo Lloyd, driven by Camilleri, had no difficulty at all winning the second Silver semi-final after leading all the way.

The others that joined the winner in the final were Matador Knick, Family’s Moonlight, Energy Launcher plus Vera L.H. in that order.

Belbroughton Road (Caruana) surprised one and all in the last metres to clinch first place in the first semi-final of the Bronze Class. Super Swede, Apple Tooma, Rybo Juvel and Dandy also moved into the final.

In the second Bronze semi-final, a strong closing dash earned Robin Lou, driven by Michael Ellul, first place.

Kung Fjalar, Internet, Lady June and Dina Maty all made it to the final.

Yesterday’s winners
Race 1: Heat 1, Copper, Napoleon Hjo (D. Ellul).
Race 2: Heat 2, Copper, Pretty Post (D. Ellul).
Race 3: Heat 3, Copper, Arragon Crown (J. Briffa).
Race 4: Semi-final 1, Bronze, Belbroughton Road (C. Caruana).
Race 5: Heat 1 Gold, Notice As (C. Caruana).
Race 6: Semi-final 1 Silver, Prince Brilliance (C. Camilleri).
Race 7: Heat 2, Gold, Livi Cantona (J. Farrugia).
Race 8: Semi-final 2, Silver, Gigo Lloyd (C. Camilleri).
Race 9: Heat 3 Gold, Gentle Way (E. Bezzina).
Race 10: Semi-final 2, Bronze, Robin Lou (M. Ellul).