The Gran Premio Allevatori, the richest Italian stakes for 2 year olds, resulted in a narrow win for the Holger Ehlert-trained filly Mania on Monday at the Tor di Valle track in Rome. Mania was catch-driven by Jorma Kontio "the Flying Finn," who also had captured the corresponding stake in Sweden nine days before with Zimba Boko. In this race the presence of Kontio in the sulky was more than important, as he gave the filly a perfect trip. They were sitting second-over and Kontio was allowed to wait as long as he liked before moving three wide coming out of last turn. She won under mild urging. Mania won ahead of Master di Azzurra. The winner and second-place finishers both were timed in a mile rate of 2:02 for the 2,100 meter distance. Trainer Holger Ehlert also won the filly division with Martina Gual (Uronometro-Cuvressan Gual). Marion Bi (Waikiki Beach) was second and Messalina Om (Windsong's Legacy) third.
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