An opportunity to match the deeds of one of Perth’s most popular and successful mares is added incentive for Massimo in the WAROA- Lee Steere Stakes (1400m) at Ascot on Saturday.
Massimo won the Lee Steere Stakes last year and if successful for a second time on the weekend he joins La Trice (1971-72), the previous horse to score successive wins in the Group 2 race.
La Trice won 12 races in a decorated career including the Railway Stakes and Karrakatta Plate and was inducted into the WA Racing Hall Of Fame earlier this year.
Michael Gangemi, who trains Massimo in partnership with his brother, Chris, hopes a return to the Lee Steere Stakes can bring about a change of fortune for the gelding.
Since the Lee Steere Stakes 12-months ago, the Sessions six-year-old has endured a frustrating run in feature races, placing four times in Group 3 events.
It started last December in the Scahill Stakes (1400m) and continued in the winter in the Belmont Sprint (1400m) and Hyperion Stakes (1600m).
The trend continued last month when first-up in the Eurythmic Stakes (1400m) he occupied the same spot behind Resortman after attempting to lead throughout.
But second up, where he has three seconds from five attempts and at weight for age, Michael Gangemi gives Massimo a great chance of breaking through in the Lee Steere Stakes.
“He’s in great nick, really good nick,” Gangemi told The Races WA.
“He won this race last year and has had no luck since.
“When he found the front first up (Eurythmic Stakes) I thought it was over and then that horse (Excellent Dream) took him on.
“If he was left alone in front they wouldn’t have gone near him.
“He won with a similar prep last year and is in a really good place.”
Massimo got out to as much as $4.60 with Tabtouch, but is now into $3.70 and on the second line behind Resortman. ($3.30).
With the scratching of Aysar, Massimo will start from barrier eight and be ridden by Brad Parnham.
“Massimo will be leading,” Gangemi said.
“If Massimo turns up in the shape he’s in, he’ll take some running down.”
Massimo and stable mate Notorious One give the Gangemi’s a two-pronged attack in the Lee Steere Stakes.
Notorious One has yet to strike in three goes this preparation, but according to Gangemi the form is better than what it appears.
“It sounds crazy, but last year he ran second in an Asian Beau and fourth in the Railway, but I think we’ve had a better preparation heading into the Railway this year,” Gangemi said.
“It doesn’t say that on the form board, but it’s the way he’s hitting the line and his attitude.
“As long as he runs a good race we’re on track for the Railway.”
Notorious One is currently rated a $19 chance with Tabtouch.
To run from barrier three, the enigmatic galloper will be in the hands of Laqdar Ramoly.
