Exciting galloper Repossession gets a chance to enhance his Pinnacles carnival hopes in Saturday’s Listed Beaufine Stakes (1000m) at Pinjarra Park.
The three-year-old, to be ridden by Brad Parnham on Saturday, has had just two starts this campaign, winning on both occasions.
The most recent win was also down the Pinjarra straight, where he beat Magnique and Art Session in commanding fashion.
He now takes older horses for the first time in his career and co-trainer Chris Gangemi said he was looking forward to seeing how he measured up.
“He’s only had the six starts, so he’s got to this level quite quickly,” Gangemi told Racing WA Thoroughbreds.
“If he happens to win this week, then that would get his rating up nicely for later in the year.
“We’re pretty confident he will end up in open class.
“He’s matched it with the good horses and produced the work of a good horse all along.”
Repossession has only tasted defeat in last year’s Max Simmonds Stakes (1000m) and Placid Ark Stakes (1200m), where he finished fourth on both occasions.
While the son of Sessions has taken all before him this campaign, Gangemi said it still hadn’t been all smooth sailing.
“He’s had four weeks between runs and had a hoof abscess last week, so it hasn’t been the ideal prep,” he said.
“He only missed three days with the abscess, which came on Friday.
“He worked well yesterday, and Brad was happy with him.
“We would’ve liked a problem free prep, but hopefully he will still be good enough.”
The Gangemi team will also be represented by topweight Phanta, who returns to racing for the first time since last year’s Group 3 Eurhythmic Stakes (1400m).
Phanta finished fifth behind Final Siren in a 1000m trial at Belmont last month ahead of his return.
Gangemi said the wet weather forecast would aid Phanta’s winning chances.
“He’s had a really good preparation,” he said.
“He’s working well and trialled really nicely.
“It’s pretty simple with him that he’s no hope if the track isn’t wet.
“He’s got three or four races at this time of the year where he has a chance to win one.”
Repossession is the $2.30 TABtouch favourite for the $125,000 event, while Phanta is on the fourth line of betting at $12.
Meanwhile, Gangemi said he expected Earth God to be competitive in his second start under his care in the Hygain Handicap (1000m).
Tim Walker
Image - Western Racepix