Trainer Chris Gangemi is eagerly anticipating the return of his stable star Repossession, a three-year-old who has impressed early and is tipped as a future Stakes performer.
Repossession burst onto the scene last November with a commanding front-running win in the Placid Ark Prelude (1000m), showcasing his potential and validating Gangemi’s high opinion of him.
On Saturday, he resumes in the Free Entry To Belmont Park Handicap (1000m), but Gangemi admits there are some hurdles to overcome first-up.
Repossession comes in fresh off a single 400m trial, carries 60kg, and faces strong competition, including Adam Durrant-trained Kay Tee Why, who has two wins and two placings from four career starts. Kay Tee Why leads betting at $2.60, with Repossession the second favourite at $3.50. Desert Whisper follows at $6, while Earthstorm and Anaballistic are priced at $8.50.
Purchased for $62,500, Repossession turned heads in his recent trial, cruising home by three lengths in a slick 23.01 seconds.
“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.”
Repossession will jump from barrier six in a field of nine, with Brad Parnham retaining the ride on the Sessions gelding. Gangemi has plans for the colt to target the Listed Beaufine Stakes (1000m) at Belmont in July.
Also representing the stable is Sebonack, who makes his WA debut in the Lawn Pride Australia Handicap (1000m). The five-year-old remains somewhat of a wildcard.
“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, drawn barrier six with Shaun McGruddy aboard, is a $15 chance in Tabtouch markets.
For those looking to back Repossession in the Beaufine Stakes or follow betting on WA racing, head over to the best Australian betting sites for updated odds and promotions.