Always EK (9m Filipp Roc-Nike EK-Varenne) rallied late in the lane to capture the 76th edition of the Gr. I International Gran Premio Lotteria final (purse 715,000€, 1600 meters autostart) at Napoli Agnano/Off at 2.26/1odds the Magnus Djuse driven harness racing veteran recorded his 29th career victory now for 1,076,401€. Alessandro Gocciadoro trains the winner timed in 1.10.3kr.

He won the third batteria today timed in 1.11.7kr. Finishing second was his half brother the 2.57/1 odds Executiv EK (5m Face Time Bourbon-Nike EK) driven by Andrea Guzzinati from post two after he won batteria two timed in a sparkling 1.10.1kr coast to coast. Third in the final was9.4/1odds Bleff Dipa (8m Mister JP-Preziosa JW-Lets Go) handled by Roberto Vecchione for trainer Holger Ehlert and owner Jean Pierre Barjon. 14.5/1 Emma Dei Veltri was fourth for Antonio Di Nardo followed by 17.7/1 odds Deus Zack for Eddy Loccisano and 10/1 Dubhe Prav, Santo Mollo up.

Race Replay  https://gaet.it/video/?vd=tew8qr3dtBCEPo5fbUNg4+eG30RnA+iLgF24GsJ4WUI=

The great dam Nike EK has had a very productive career so far with five winners of 168,000€ and more.

Part of today’s activities showcased the appearance of nearly 30 year old Varenne that earned over 6,000,000€ in an illustrious racing career. Trotting fans remember Il Capitano fondly. 

In the Lotteria Consolation (purse 40,040€, 1600 meters autostart) the 18.1/1 odds FR invader Ideal San Leandro (7m Timoko-Bomba San Leandro-Nice Love) triumphed handily timed in 1.10.4kr for Anthony Barrier and trainer Richard Westerink.

Usain Toll (9g Googoo Gaagaa-Cotton Waste) was second at 12.5/1 for Gennaro Amitrano followed by Chance EK (7f Nad Al Sheba-Ukase EK) at 2.35/1 odds with Pippo Gubellini aboard. Encierro at 8.3/1 and 12.1/1 odds Click Bait completed the top five consolation finishers.

Race Replay Consolation  https://gaet.it/video/?vd=j4uVjKNhTnD6PxQCGUlxn8jKDwvuf8TKD8OkbTpZvmE=

In the Lotteria batterias (each for a purse of 25,300€ and raced over 1600 meters autostart) the first such test went to 38.4/1 odds Dubhe Prav (6m Robert Bi) down the passing lane with Santo Mollo up, finished ahead of 20.7/1 Bleff Dipa and Roberto Vecchione and 2.2/1 Dany Capar (6m Exploit Caf) for Alessandro Gocciadoro. Usain Toll was fourth in this elim timed in 1.10.5kr.

Race Replay https://gaet.it/video/?vd=iuYryGvOJ1KpYJCmtMy4EIeePPNVei8n5LgvURK+Jlw=

In the second batteria 3.2/1 odds Executiv EK  scored in 1.10.1kr for Andrea Guzzinati and trainer Gocciadoro. The 4.1/1 Emma Dei Veltri was second for Antonio Di Nardo with 34/1 odds Dali Prav third for Rene Legati. Diamond Truppo was fourth for Antonio Veloti at 9.2/1 odds.

Race Replay https://gaet.it/video/?vd=mwtBtBAQLuWkEdooTHc0d2gKgJrJ07qEKoFKCRFVz2k=

Batteria C went to the eventual final winner Always EK at 1.48/1 odds with Magnus Djuse  driving for trainer Gocciadoro.

Race time was 1.11.7kr, the slowest of the elims. Finishing second was 30.9/1 Deus Zack for Eddy Loccisano followed by 16.3/1 Dylan Dog Font (6m Ringostarr Treb) handled by Vincenzo Luongo and 47.3/1 Click Bait for Andrea Farolfi.

Race Replay  https://gaet.it/video/?vd=qgOsVWWgNyXBqXzcoya52b9qfsWFZg3B2PzIlAekz2o=

Gaet, Napoli Agnano  files/photos

by Thomas H. Hicks, for Harnesslink