American seven-year-old trotter, Argus Hanover, won yesterday’s main event, the Premier Class race, during the 16th meeting of the season at the Marsa Racetrack.
French Oviedo Vici (Darren Mizzi) was the fastest horse in the early stages of the Premier race, opening a length lead from Argus Hanover (Charles Camilleri) and Celebrity Photo (Marvin Cauchi).
With 500m to go, Oviedo Vici began to slow down and was overtaken by Argus Hanover which recorded its third win of the season easily by a length from French newcomer Orly Melsois (Emmanuel Fenech) and Celebrity Photo.
Skars Hanna (Jeffrey Said) completed the top-four order.
Argus Hanover clocked an impressive average of 1.14.6” per kilometre.
In the first Gold Class race of the day, Phenix de la Roque (Noel Baldacchino) returned to winning form after surging ahead midway through the final straight.
The French 10-year-old trotter claimed its second straight win from Hulot (Jason Vassallo), Niky de Memartin (Jonathan Zammit) and Touch The Diamond (David Ellul).
Power Night Star (Rodney Gatt) stepped up its pace 400m from the finish line in the second Gold race. This Swedish eight-year-old cruised to its first win of the year from Happiness Photo (Julian Farrugia) and Orage du Pont (Charles Camilleri).
Carnegie Hall (Darren Mizzi) was fourth.
Yesterday’s card also included two races for Silver Class trotters.
In the first, French newcomer Panda Des Fleches (Chris Cassar) increased its speed 500m from the post to secure its first win from Bankir Zon (Noel Baldacchino) and Swedish debutant Zandina Boshoeve (Shawn Formosa).
Lonshults Erik (Charles Camilleri) finished fourth.
French Pirate d’Urzy (Eugenio Bondin) nosed ahead midway through the final straight of the second Silver Class race. This trotter obtained its second win of the season by half-a-length from Simb From Abroad (Clive Gerada) and Paolin De Bannes (Noel Baldacchino). Uncle Kemp (Ludvic Ghigo) followed behind.
The next programme at the Marsa Racetrack will be held on Wednesday with the first race due to start at 2.30pm.
Winners at Marsa
Race 1: Copper, Claude Carnevale (Raymond Clifton) – 1.18.2”.
Race 2: Bronze, Pittacos (Noel Baldacchino) – 1.16.2”.
Race 3: Copper, Andri Boko (Tony Demanuele) – 1.17.9”.
Race 4: Silver, Panda Des Fleches (Chris Cassar) – 1.16.7”.
Race 5: Gold, Phenix de la Roque (Noel Baldacchino) – 1.16.7”.
Race 6: Silver, Pirate d’Urzy (Eugenio Bondin) – 1.16.4”.
Race 7: Premier, Argus Hanover (Charles Camilleri) – 1.14.6”.
Race 8: Gold, Power Night Star (Rodney Gatt) – 1.16.1”.