Co-trainer Michael Gangemi is confident Samizdat will handle his first shot at a Victorian Group 1 in tomorrow afternoon’s Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield.
The gelding heads in the $1 million feature off the back of a win in the Belmont Newmarket (1200m) and a third placing in the Idyllic Prince Stakes (1300m).
Michael Gangemi, who trains the six-year-old in partnership with his brother Chris, said his charge had settled in well to his new surrounds.
“We couldn’t be happier with him,” he told TABradio.
“He’s probably surprised us a little bit with how he’s coped with it.
“He’s a bit of a quirky horse but a trip away seems to be agreeing with him.”
The Rupert Clark will be Samizdat’s second attempt at a Group 1, with his other start at the top level resulting in a fifth placing in the 2019 Railway Stakes at Ascot.
Craig Newitt takes the ride aboard the son of Not A Single Doubt, with the hoop looking for his first win in the sprint feature.
Defending champion Behemoth has the top-weight of 59kg, while Samizdat carries the minimum of 52kg.
Gangemi said Samizdat would appreciate the significant drop in weight.
“When I found out he was getting that weight our eyes lit up,” he said.
“He’s a big boy but that’s a lot of weight to drop and he won’t know himself with 52 on his back.
“If he gets out at the right time and can let down like we know he can with only 52 on his back, hopefully he’s right in the finish.”
Gangemi said he expected a strong tempo in the time-honoured event, where Beau Rossa and Probabeel share TABtouch favouritism at $4.60.
Samizdat is rated a $21 chance.
The Gangemi team also has representation in the feature event at Belmont tomorrow afternoon, with Crystal Spirit one of the leading chances in the Nicopolis Stakes (1200m).
The seven-year-old has been supported from $16 to $9 for the $100,000 event with TABtouch and Gangemi said his chances would be enhanced by the wet weather over the past 24 hours.
“Once the heavens opened up over the last few days, that’s where the support came from,” he said.
“His form on wet tracks is really good.
“At the moment he’s in a really good place.
“His last run showed what he’s capable of.”
Iseered Iseered is the $3.60 favourite for the Nicopolis Stakes, ahead of Charleton Eddie ($5) and Son Of A God ($5.50).
Tomorrow’s Belmont program gets underway at 12.43pm.
