Favourites reach final at racetrack

Ten horses qualified for the Emirates Airlines it-Tazza l-Kbira final following yesterday's programme of races at the Marsa racetrack.

The two semi-finals from this championship, over a long distance of 2,640m, formed part of the 16th meeting of the season.

It was a memorable day for young driver Rodney Gatt who finished with the best record of three wins as the two major races were won by In Vitro du Bourg and James de l'Iton.

Seven horses lined up in the first semi-final. Outsider Loulou du Lamee (Charles Camilleri) increased its speed with a lap to go and opened a two-length lead from Intrus des Rioults (Carmelo Micallef).

But, as expected, in the final straight the front-runners were overtaken by French favourite In Vitro du Bourg (Ivan Bilocca) which went on to obtain its second win in a row from Loulou du Lamee. Aces Americ (Paul Bonello), Le Bon Mayennais (Clifforty Calleja) and L'Ideal de Fersan (Carl Caruana) also qualified.

The second semi-final was contested by eight horses.

Kakisis (Johan Axisa) led almost all the way from favourite James de l'Iton (Noel Baldacchino) and Lys de l'Oasis (Joseph Magro) but 200m from the post James de l'Iton dashed in front for its third consecutive win of the season. Kakisis, Isolated (Anthony Spagnol), Lover Boy Index (Mark Desira) and Lys de l'Oasis also qualified for the final.

The card yesterday also included three races for Silver class trotters on a distance of 2,140m.

Italian Espace Aerien (Rodney Gatt) recorded its first win of the year after sprinting strongly in the final straight.

Danish Baronello (Jason Vassallo) triumphed in the second Silver race and Magnum (Carmelo Farrugia) finished first in the remaining race from this category.

The next meeting, to be held on Wednesday, will include heats from the Mediterranean Championship for drivers and jockeys. The first race starts at 2 p.m.

Yesterday's Winners

Race 1: Copper. Tapincha (Joe Debattista).

Race 2: Bronze. Pretty Post (David Ellul).

Race 3: Bronze. Word Xing (Rodney Gatt).

Race 4: Silver. Espace Aerien (Rodney Gatt).

Race 5: It-Tazza l-Kbira SF. In Vitro du Bourg (Ivan Bilocca).

Race 6: Class Bronze. Master Lupin (Rodney Gatt).

Race 7: Class Bronze. Orasi Index (Clint Vassallo).

Race 8: It-Tazza l-Kbira SF. James de l'Iton (Noel Baldacchino).

Race 9: Silver. Baronello (Jason Vassallo).

Race 10: Silver. Magnum (Carmelo Farrugia).