Chris Gangemi trains Group 3 Trifecta

Western Australian big guns Rock Magic, Battle Hero and Durendal have filled spots 1, 2 and 3 in the Group 3 Roma Cup over 1200m at Ascot on Saturday, capping off an extraordinary training effort by Gangemi.

Perhaps leaving the racecourse with a slightly heavier wallet than usual, the trainer took home his share of the $88,500 first place prize as well as $30,000 for running 2nd and $13,500 for filling the minors.

Class clearly prevailed as Rock Magic enjoyed less depth at his home track after racing in 6 consecutive Group 1s, beaten by the likes of Redzel, Viddora, Redkirk Warrior and Hellbent however showing promise with each start.

Gangemi Thoroughbreds owned Battle Hero was ever so consistent, the 11 time winner placing for the 22nd time in 33 starts after taking out the Group 3 Northam Stakes last start ahead of 3rd place getter and stable mate Durendal.

Potentially the most promising with a plenty of good showings over the summer, 6-year-old gelding Durendal made it 5 straight minor placings on the trot as he again came close, lucklessly for the stable also placing in the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes behind Sprint Queen Viddora.

Frustratingly for trainer Gangemi however, he is yet to win a Group 1 after 15 goes, placing twice in Group 1 Company with yet another in Group 2 class without a victory. With a 135 career wins to his name and counting, Gangemi gets some conciliation with 6 Group 3 wins, in fact bringing with him an impressive record in this class as he has in fact been placed 50% of the time in Group 3’s, likewise 44% in listed.

Since his first winner with Three Amigos in 2010, Gangemi will look to build on an impressive career to date, with perhaps an inevitable Group 1 win long overdue. Chris Gangemi is enjoying a successful season in 2017/18, his 30 wins totalling $1,365,396 in prize money.