The Italian 5-year-old Frank Gio, driven by France’s Matthieu Abrivard, won the UET Elite Circuit final at Italy’s Vinovo racetrack. The race carried a total purse of €500,000 (approximately $560,000), and Frank Gio prevailed despite racing outside the leader, Don Fanucci Zet, the entire way.
It was a five-star performance by the Sebastian Guarato-trained Frank Gio, who battled his way to victory despite a tough trip in the UET final.
After losing the battle for the lead to Sweden’s Don Fanucci Zet and Örjan Kihlström, Matthieu Abrivard elected to remain parked in the second lane with Frank Gio.
Even so, Frank Gio wore down Don Fanucci Zet in the stretch and held off a late challenge from France’s Go On Boy, driven by Romain Derieux.
Frank Gio—sired by Face Time Bourbon—earned the €250,000 first prize (approximately $280,000) in 1:55.3f (mile rate).
The day’s other major international UET event was the UET Grand Prix, with a total purse of €400,000 (approximately $450,000).
The Dutch-trained but German-owned Fragolino Rosso, driven by Robin Bakker, was the heavy favorite. The red stallion, sired by France’s Booster Winner, lived up to expectations with an easy victory in 1:54.2f (mile rate), finishing ahead of the French Italian Ginger Gio, driven by Roberto Vecchione.
Fragolino Rosso, trained by Paul Hagoort, recorded his 12th consecutive victory. Overall, the talented 4-year-old has made 17 starts and won 15 times.
The Italian Derby for 3-year-olds was also on the card in Turin, where Iceberg LP (sired by Face Time Bourbon) scored an upset victory. Trained by Walter Zanetti and driven by Andrea Guzzinati, Iceberg LP won in 1:57.2f (mile rate), ahead of one of the race favorites, Il Trio Jet (sired by Wishing Stone), driven by Santo Mollo.
The first prize was €335,000 (approximately $375,000).
The Oaks del Trotto was won by the Erik Bondo-trained Ischia Joy (sired by Mister J.P.), driven by Francesco Facci, in 1:56.2f. The filly is owned and was bred by French harness racing president Jean-Pierre Barjon, who received the €105,800 first prize (approximately $118,000).