Yesterday's programme at the Marsa racetrack consisted of eight trotting events, all on the 2,140m distance. The card also included a race for ponies on a shorter 700m.

Again, the Premier race was the main one of the afternoon.

However, this event failed to reached the desired expectations. There was little movement for most of the distance until the final straight when a duel emerged between Bello Fratello and pre-race favourite In Vitro Du Bourg.

At the post, it was Bello Fratello, driven by Clint Vassallo, that managed to pass the post first. Staro Tonic was third.

The Gold race was more interesting and had a close finish with L'Ideal De Fersan, Royal Pointer and Ksar dashing together along the final metres in the straight for home.

At the post, it was Carl Caruana's L'Ideal De Fersan that finished first. Royal Ponter and Ksar were both declared second.

Larky D'Echal looked set to win the first Silver event of the day but was pipped to the post by newcomer Ascorix, under the control of Kevin Mifsud. Tintin Haleryd, in its second race at the Marsa racetrack, was third.

Super Swede, directed by Kevin Sciberras, clinched victory in the other Silver class race but not before having to deal with the strong dash of Alfa Spider, the eventual runner-up.

The next meeting is scheduled for Sunday at 1.30 p.m.

Yesterday's winners

Race 1: Copper, Brightlight Sib (A. Cortis).
Race 2: Bronze, Lorrain D'Oliverie (B. Hili).
Race 3: Copper, Gubben Karsk (G. Schembri).
Race 4: Ponies, 700m Tumpanu (A. Fenech).
Race 5: Bronze, Gandhi Brogard (C. Farrugia).
Race 6: Silver class, Ascorix (Kevin Mifsud).
Race 7: Premier, Bello Fratello (C. Vassallo).
Race 8: Gold, L'Ideal De Fersan (C. Caruana).
Race 9: Silver, Super Swede (K. Sciberras).