Super Saturday For Gangemi’s
19 August, 2018
Thoroughbred
The father and son combination of John and Chris Gangemi celebrated a memorable day of racing when they claimed an intrastate feature double on Saturday.
Chris Gangemi launched a top day for the family when a new addition to his stable, Super Maxi, led all the way to win the Listed Belmont Newmarket (1200m).
About 15 minutes later John Gangemi shared the spotlight when Diamond Tonique outstayed his rivals to win the $150,000 Broome Cup (2200m).
For Chris, Super Maxi gave him his first success in the Belmont Newmarket after consecutive placings with Rock Magic (2016) and Battle Hero (2017).
Sent straight to the front by jockey Peter Knuckey, the former Sydney galloper shot clear in the straight and defeated Yeah Dardy by a half-length.
Super Maxi turned the tables and dispelled any doubts about running out 1200m after a close second to Yeah Dardy in the New Season Sprint (1000m) last start.
Chris Gangemi said there was more improvement left in Super Maxi.
“He is still not 100 per cent fit, but with not too much pressure out in front he was able to hang on,” he said.
“He needed that softish run and I was pretty confident.
“He was a really cheap buy actually, probably because of his wind problems.
“But he has earned well over his purchase price and hopefully has a few more wins in store.”
Diamond Tonique gave Gangemi his second Broome Cup and proved the sceptics wrong about his staying credentials.
Before yesterday Diamond Tonique had a sprinting reputation and had not won a race beyond 1800m.
“They said he wouldn’t stay, but I knew he would,” Gangemi said.
“Everybody said he was a sprinter, but I was right.
“It’s absolutely sensational.”
Diamond Tonique, who worked hard to reel in gallant runner-up and defending champion Gloryland in the last 100m, continued jockey Peter Hall’s remarkable run in the Broome Cup.
The top rider won his first Broome Cup on Davenport Tryst (2000) and followed with Tango Man (2002), Key To Cash (2003), Great Destiny (2008), Viscount Cameron (2011) and Desert Glow (2015).
“I really can’t believe it and it’s quite amazing,” Hall said.
“Gloryland kept kicking and lifting, but Diamond Tonique hung on and always had it in the bag I thought.
“It’s just amazing to win it again in front of my family.”
Gloryland lost no admirers in running second after attempting to lead all the way with top weight of 59.5kg.
Speed ‘N’ Reef ran third.
Julio Santarelli