by Karsten Bonsdorf, USTA web newsroom correspondent

Italy’s leading driver Enrico Bellei was once again the man in the spotlight as he won five races from seven starts at Tordivalle on Sunday afternoon (Oct. 7).

Among his wins were the Derby Italiano and the Gran Premio Gaetano.

In the Derby Italiano Bellei was behind Pascia’ Lest, a colt sired by the great champion Varenne, who seems to be a head above the rest in his crop.

Pascia’ Lest, who is trained by German born Holger Ehlert, has raced 12 times and has 11 wins and he was outstanding again in the Derby (1-5/16th mile distance) as he won by open lengths in 1:58.2f (mile rate).

The Derby Italiano del Trotto is the richest race for 3-year old trotters in Europe and the purse for the winner was $300,000.

So far Pascia’ Lest has won $900,000 lifetime.

The filly division was won by Pearl Axe (sired by the French sire Love You) with Andrea Farolfi in the bike. She was timed in 1:56.2f over the mile. The purse for the winner was $71,500.

In the Gran Premio Gaetano Turilli for open class trotters, Enrico Bellei was in the bike behind another son of Varenne, the 5-year-old Napolean Bar, who is a stable companion to Commander Crowe for Fabrice Souloy in France.

Napoleon Bar returned to action after a four month break, but was as game as ever and won the 1-5/16th mile event in 1:57.2f (mile rate). The purse for the winner was $100,000.

Enrico Bellei has now won 220 races this year from 717 starts.