ALRAJAH ONE IS BACK IN NAPLES AFTER 3 YEARS, WINS AND IS IN THE LOTTERIA

His last victory in Italy came in Agnano in October 2021 in a heat of that Lotteria, which was moved to autumn due to the pandemic. He finished second in the final behind Face Time Bourbon, and then came the move to the USA. Three and a half years later, Maharajah's son returned to Agnano, where he had also won the Derby, to deliver a superb performance in the race named after Gianni Campili, which, in addition to confirming his place in the Lotteria in two weeks' time, makes him one of the possible protagonists at this point.

Vincenzo Luongo, who will also ride him on 4 May, started cautiously, moving out from fourth position as they passed in front of the stands to go alongside the frontrunner Usain Toll. Perhaps still not quite precise on the bend, Alrajah nevertheless gave a great impression of strength on the home straight, pulling away easily to finish in a race record time of 1.10.6, ahead of a positive Condor Pasa Gar and the consistent Zefiro D'Ete.

His team was jubilant, starting with Roberto Baroncini, Mauro's brother, who commented: ‘We worked hard to get to the top at the Lotteria and I think it will be even better in two weeks. But in the meantime, today he really gave a great demonstration of strength.’

Driver Vincenzo Luongo said, ‘I'm satisfied. They didn't want to give him too tough a test, so we didn't start, but when I let him go, he literally took off. I'm really confident for the Lotteria.’

Vincenzo Izzo, the owner: ‘I really wanted this because he's a horse that has never been given anything, despite his great performances. He's always had to prove himself. We had our sights set on the Lotteria from afar and now we can say that we're in too.’