Bel Avis, with trainer/driver Jean Michel Bazire, was a popular winner of the prestigious Gran Premio Lotteria raced at the Agnano track in Naples, Italy.

Jean Michel Bazire is presented the Gran Premio Lotteria trophy. Gerard Forni photo.

The 8-year-old gelding Bel Avis made his way to the final by winning an elimination in impressive style after he lost around 30 yards from start, where he went off stride.

Two other eliminations were won by Italian favorite Vitruvio, driven by Alessandro Gocciadoto, and Sweden’s Disco Volante, driven by Björn Goop.

In the final Disco Volante went the to the lead and got Vitruvio on the outside, while Bel Avis was just behind them. Around the last corner, Bazire made his move and Bel Avis won very easily in 1:54.3f, followed by Disco Volante, while Vitruvio went off stride and was disqualified and placed last.

Bel Avis, who took victory number two from 55 races, picked up a check for $295,000 for today’s job.

This was the third time Jean Michel Bazire won the Lotteria, but the first time he did it with a trotter trained by himself. In 2007 he won driving Exploit Caf and in 2008 driving Gambling Bi, both trained by fellow Frenchman Fabrice Souloy.