Baldacchino steers Figaro Speed to A1 victory

Yesterday's programme at the Marsa racetrack was low-key compared to the memorable one of Friday during which the new facilities and floodlights were inaugurated before the racing series got underway with the first of no fewer than six finals.

All ten races on yesterday's card were scratch events on the rather long 3,140-metre distance.

The Class A1 race lived up to its billing as the best in store. It was Shack Broline, in its first outing at Marsa, which dared to nose ahead. However, this trotter was soon overtaken by Gupo Josselyn which, in turn, lost its lead to Figaro Speed, yesterday driven by champion driver Noel Baldacchino.

Figaro Speed went on to win the race but not before having to deal with a strong challenge, along the last 150 metres, from Drabant Are, which eventually had to settle for second place. Gordon Swing was third.

Favourite horse Esard, driven by its owner Joe Bartolo, registered its fifth win of the season yesterday after crossing the finishing line first in the Class A race. This success, earned Esard promotion to Class A1.

Esard took an early lead on the track but was not bothered too much on its way to victory ahead of Fleurasko. Gitan de Renoit was third.

Piperhurst looked all set to win the opening Class B race yesterday after shooting ahead with some 200 metres away from the post.

But then trouble struck for this trotter as it got disqualified for breaking, opening the way for Julian Farrugia's mare Bella Guard to claim first place.

The same story repeated itself in the other Class B race. This time it was Prince Action which passed the post first but was also disqualified.

First place was awarded to Patron Tilly, under the control of Carmelo Farrugia. Both Bella Guard and Patron Tilly were promoted to Class A.

The next meeting at Marsa is scheduled for Sunday at 2.30 p.m.

Yesterday's winners

Race 1 (Class H): Pro Ima (D. Mizzi).
Race 2 (Class G): Master of All (T. Scicluna).
Race 3 (Class E): Olga Butterfly (C. Camilleri).
Race 4 (Class D): Darim (G. Schembri).
Race 5 (Class B): Bella Guard (J. Farrugia).
Race 6 (Class A1): Figaro Speed (N. Baldacchino).
Race 7 (Class B): Patron Tilly (C. Farrugia).
Race 8 (Class A): Esard (J. Bartolo).
Race 9 (Class D): Ulrika Gibs (S. Vella).
Race 10 (Class C): Grand Aubiose (J. Carabott).