50 qualifiers for HSBC Cup at Marsa

After a lengthy absence, the HSBC Cup, a competition open to all trotters better known as It-Tazza l-Kbira, was back on the menu at the Marsa Racecourse yesterday. The new edition is sponsored by HSBC and all races are on the 2,140m distance.

A total of 50 trotters from ten races qualified for the second phase of the competition following yesterday's races.

Heat 1: An attack initiated half-a-lap from home enabled James de L'Iton (Noel Baldacchino) to collect its second win on the trot.

Bello Fratello, Hudson Blue, Josepha Du Hainot and Fastprint also qualified.

Heat 2: Ilik de Baconval (Chris Xerri) was first past the post after increasing its pace along the final straight. Also through were Houston, Zorro Tuna, Killer De Caveland and Stillett.

Heat 3: Nillans Comet (Julian Farrugia) led from start to finish but at the end it had to go all out to withstand the challenge of second horse in Korentin.

Kaki du Vivier, Race Ball and Hans De Landiers reached the next round of the competition.

Heat 4: Louise Lucky Sea looked set to win this race but was overtaken by Karl Borealis (Nazzareno Brincat) and Staro Tonic in the last few metres.

Indian Wedding and Gourmet Lavec were the other horses that qualified.

Heat 5: As expected, In Vitro Du Bourg (Ivan Bilocca) had no challenge and won the race by four lengths after grabbing the lead early in the race.

Also qualified were Just Bourbon, Permit Hanover, Thankful Major and Otto Somatic.

Heat 6: Iris du Louvet (Charlo Debono) jumped into the lead 200m from the post and went on to win this heat. The other qualifiers were Charlie Smitt, Hello Classique, Arragon Crown and Jazz Jambalaya.

Heat 7: Kelso Bricois (Darren Mizzi) dominated this race to win by five lengths. The winner finished ahead of Hiosco De Davcar, Kintaro, Grover IT and Tiger Bac.

Heat 8: There was quite a close finish in this race but it was favourite Pilot Kloster (Charles Camilleri) that had the last say at the post.

BBS Balthazar, Widget, Requiem Butler and Paul's Coffee were also through.

Heat 9: This event was won by Joss Royal (Josef Farrugia) after going into the lead midway through the distance. Also qualified were Mr King, Gin T. Dalimo, Chef FC and Illico De Reville.

Heat 10: In the last few metres of this race, Jet des Rondes (Frencu Cassar) sped home to clinch victory ahead of O'Hara's Arrow, Gingoro, Pajarito Nada and Kalifant De Jemma.