Ripsos De Fa, Peanut Butter and Ultevis were the top trotters in yesterday’s major events at the Marsa Racetrack.
In the first Gold race, early leader Mont Cenis Honey (Noel Baldacchino) ran out of steam 300 metres from the finish line.
This 15-year-old veteran was reeled in by favourite Ripsos De Fa (Ivan Bilocca) which went on to record its third win in a row, a length ahead of Oeillet De Phens (Rodney Gatt) and Pile Ou Face (Joe Schembri).
Sixteen horses lined up for the next Gold Class race which resulted in a dead heat.
A keen duel developed between Swedish trotters, Ultevis (Peter Paul Said) and Peanut Butter (Andrew Farrugia), and the win was awarded to both trotters after racing stewards had consulted the photo-finish.
Rumeur (Rodney Gatt) and Swedish newcomer Indeed Southwind (Kevin Sciberras) followed behind in that order.
In the first Silver race of the afternoon, favourite Orlando Tejy (Noel Baldacchino) secured its second win in a row when reaching the post five lengths ahead of Digital Logic (Anthony Debono).
Driven by Cliferty Calleja, Quimper Du Thyral claimed its first win at the racetrack in the following Silver race.
This French trotter increased its speed significantly in the final straight.
Quio De Nappes (Redent Magro) then dashed strongly from the outside 400 metres from the end of the third Silver race while Wonderofyou (Julian Farrugia) and Reveal Champ Blanc (Tony Cauchi) sprinted neck and neck in the final straight of the fourth race from this category.
It was Wonderofyou that won the race, a whisker in front of Reveal Champ Blanc.
In the remaining Silver race, Quid De Belle Vue (Charles Camilleri) cruised to its second win after increasing its pace with a lap to go.
Another meeting at the racetrack will be held on Thursday.
The race winners
Race 1. Copper – Prince Teemer (Salvu Vella) – 1.20.4”
Race 2. Silver – Orlando Tejy (Noel Baldacchino) – 1.20.2”
Race 3. Silver – Quimper (Clif Calleja) – 1.18.8”
Race 4. Silver – Quio De Nappes (Redent Magro) – 1.18.3”
Race 5. Gold – Ripsos De Fa (Ivan Bilocca) – 1.17.1”
Race 6. Silver – Wonderofyou (Julian Farrugia) – 1.20.4”
Race 7. Gold – Peanut Butter (Andrew Farrugia) – Ultevis (Peter Paul Said) – 1.18.5”
Race 8. Silver – Quid De Belle Vue (Charles Camilleri) – 1.19”