Chris Gangemi is excited by the return of stable pin up, Repossession on Saturday, a three-year-old that he rates highly and views as a future feature race contender.
Repossession validated Gangemi’s high opinion and gave a sign of things to come when he led from barrier to post to win the Placid Ark Prelude (1000m) last November.
But Gangemi, who co-trains with his brother, Michael, admits there are a couple of concerns for Repossession heading into the Free Entry To Belmont Park Handicap (1000m).
Repossession races first up off one 400m trial, carries 60kg top weight and runs into Kay Tee Why, a three-year-old rival from Adam Durrant’s team that oozes class.
Kay Tee Why, who boasts a record of two wins and two placings from four starts, is popular with punters and has been installed the $2.60 favourite with Tabtouch.
Repossession is next at $3.50; Desert Whisper is $6 and Earthstorm and Anaballistic are $8.50.
Repossession, a $62,500 yearling, came under notice in his 400m trial heat, scoring a sharp three length win and stopping the clock at a fast 23.01secs.
“Really happy with the trial, his action was beautiful, he was mainly there for barrier practice,” Gangemi said on Tabradio.
“He’s been a bit hit and miss in the barriers throughout his career, really, a bit funny in the gates.
“Brad (Parnham) said he behaved himself and jumped cleanly and quickly.
“That was the main reason he was there and we’re hoping he can do the same on Saturday.
“If he can put himself in a spot, I’m sure he’ll be right there in the finish.
“He looks a million bucks, bigger and stronger.
“He hasn’t had a 1000m trial and carries 60kg, so it won’t be easy, but I do think he’s come back a better horse.
“He’s not fully wound up but is fit enough to win if he gets the right run, for sure.
“We’re out there to win and it’s pretty exciting for the stable.
“Hopefully he can win a couple and come back for races over the carnival.”
In a hotly contested field of nine starters, Repossession starts from barrier six. Parnham sticks with the Sessions gelding.
Gangemi plans on Repossession reaching the Listed Beaufine Stakes (1000m) at Belmont in July.
Meanwhile, it’s a watch and see for Sebonack in his maiden WA outing in the Lawn Pride Australia Handicap (1000m).
The five-year-old arrives in the west minus a glittering racing resume and Gangemi admits he’s not sure what to expect first up.
“He’s a tried horse who could go either way,” Gangemi said.
“His trials have been ok and if he’s to run a race it might be first up.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if he came out and won or it wouldn’t surprise me if he ran down the track.”
Sebonack is $15 in Tabtouch markets. He has barrier six for Shaun McGruddy.
