As expected, the two Premier Class races were the main attraction in yesterday’s meeting at Marsa which consisted of eight races, all trotting and held over a short distance of 2,140m.

Fifteen horses took part in the first Premier race.

Here, Oviedo Vici (Darren Mizzi) led all the way for its first win in Malta, finishing four lengths-and-a-half ahead of Nomade de Mai (Charles Camilleri).

Two other French trotters, Niky de Memartin (Raymond Clifton) and Niarpan (Noel Baldacchino), also had an encouraging race after finishing third and fourth res-pectively.

Oviedo Vici clocked an average time of 1.15” per kilometre.

There was a keen tussle involving four horses in the final metres of the other Premier race.

In the end, it was Think Yatzee (Clint Vassallo) that obtained its first win of the season from Nono de Crouay (Melvin Farrugia), Belafonte (Cliferty Calleja) and Milord Barbes (Frenċu Cassar).

The winner had an average time of 1.16.7” per kilometre. For Clint Vassallo, this was his second win of the day after his success in the Copper race early on.

The card yesterday also included three races from the Silver category.

Confidence As (Rodney Gatt) upped its pace from the outside 500m away from the post to finish ahead of Stoms Alex (Charles Camilleri) and there was a close finish in the next Silver race as Olympio des Loyaux (James Carabott) and Lovely Mab (Noel Baldacchino) sprinted together in the final lap.

It was Lovely Mab that won the race as Olympio des Loyaux was disqualified. Stainless Steel (Charles Camilleri), Charlie Smitt (Frencu Cassar) and French debutant Pared An Hoel (Ivan Bilocca) claimed the other top four positions.

This race had to be restarted following an incident involving Lovely Mab and Swedish newcomer Jill Vox (David Ellul). Luckily, there were no serious consequences to drivers and horses and the race started without much delay.

Prince du Moutier (Raymond Schembri) led all the way in the third Silver race.

This French nine-year-old finished first by a length from Number One Of Max (Tony Demanuele) and Mint Condition (Jason Vassallo).

Another programme at the racetrack will be held next Saturday. The card will include an international trotting heat from the Mediterranean Championship.

Yesterday’s winners
Race 1: Copper, Orasi Index (Clint Vassallo).
Race 2: Copper, Gamin Launcher (Jeffrey Xerri).
Race 3: Copper, Kejser Engely (Shawn Portelli).
Race 4: Silver, Confidence As (Rodney Gatt).
Race 5: Premier, Oviedo Vici (Darren Mizzi).
Race 6: Silver, Lovely Mab (Noel Baldacchino).
Race 7: Premier, Think Yatzee (Clint Vassallo).
Race 8: Silver, Prince du Moutier (Raymond Schembri).