Gangemi’s Hero To Continue Winning Streak
Chris Gangemi does not his hide his admiration for Condor Heroes, the hot favourite in the Perth Racing At Home Handicap (1000m) at Belmont on Saturday.
The former Sydney galloper has only been with Gangemi for a short time, but the electrifying speedster has quickly become a popular stable favourite
With a history of injuries and setbacks, Condor Heroes was bought for just $10,000 in an on-line sale, but he’s defied that modest price tag with two explosive wins.
He got off to a perfect start on his Perth debut and ended an 1116-day winning drought when he led all the way to score by a head in a 1000m Ascot race in April.
He then followed up and proved it was no fluke when over the same course and distance he led from start to finish in a burst of speed to win by 4 1/4 lengths.
A foot abscess halted his momentum, but Gangemi is confident, despite a month between runs, the Not A Single Doubt gelding can retain his unbeaten stable record.
“He was as fit as he was last-start,” Gangemi told Tabradio.
“He was three weeks between runs last start and has probably done more work this time.
“Fitness isn’t a concern, as long as he doesn’t overdo it too much.
“His strength is to turn four and five lengths in front and get them off the bit.
“He’ll be very hard to beat.”
Tabtouch has Condor Heroes at $1.80 to continue his winning streak, ahead of Guns Of Navarone ($4.80) and Gangemi’s second runner, Super Maxi ($6.50).
A Listed winner in the Belmont Newmarket (1200m) two years ago, Super Maxi resumes after his last run in January. He ran second in a warm up trial.
“His work has been super since the trial,” Gangemi said.
“He needed it, it looked like he ran out of puff in the trial.
“He two gallops since on wet tracks have been super and Jarrad (Noske) is very happy with him.
“If anything is to beat Condor Heroes, hopefully it’s Super Maxi.
“They are my best chances and I would be disappointed if one of them didn’t win.”
In a field of six starters Super Maxi will jump from gate four. He carries the 61kg top weight for Noske, 5kg more than Condor Heroes.
“It’s not ideal and you would like him to have less, but he’s probably earned it,” Gangemi said.
“But he loves a wet track and the wetter the better.”
Condor Heroes has barrier two. Shaun McGruddy keeps then prized mount.
Meanwhile Gangemi is planning a change of tactics with Durendal in the Group 3 Iron Bark Belmont Sprint (1400m).
The consistent eight-year-old finished a brave third when on pace in the Roma Cup, but could go back after drawing barrier 13.
“At this stage that is the way we will go to help him get the 1400m,” Gangemi said.
“The barrier is a blow because had he drawn a barrier he could have sat in the box seat.
“He will have to go back and ride for luck but he was going too good not to start him.”
Durendal and stable mate Disposition are $26 and $51 respectively in the Belmont Sprint.
Gangemi says Prevailing Winds is an outside chance when first-up in the Glenroy Chaff Handicap (1400m).
Julio Santarelli