Alessandro Gocciadoro has been the leading trainer in Italy for several years and in the first Group 1 race of the season in Italy, The Gran Premio Costa Azzurra, raced in Turin Sunday afternoon (April 7) and with a total purse of 154,000 Euro, Gocciadoro trained five of the 10 starters.
The 10-year-old Vivid Wise As, as usual with Matthieu Abrivard in the bike, headed the Gocciadoro team, but just as in Criterium de Vitesse at Changes Sur Mer three weeks ago, Vivid Wise As showed that many tough races have taken its toll. Though Vivid Wise As got a perfect trip, he became rough gaited and made a break going for home and was disqualified.
But Gocciadoro had other cards to play.
In a close finish three trotters from Gocciadoro fought for the win and the chestnut Banderas Bi, an 18-1 shot with Antonio Velotti in the bike, won by a head followed by Always Ek with Alessandro Gocciadoro and the third stablemate, Daughter As, with Pietro Gubellini.
One – two – three for Gocciadoro!
The purse for the winner, Banderas Bi, was 64,400 Euro. He was timed in 1:55.3h. Banderas Bi is by the French sire Ganymede.