"With a promising future ahead, the Gangemi brothers' Repossession aims for glory in the Listed Tabtouch Placid Ark Stakes, leveraging a favorable draw and impressive past performances to challenge the competition on race day."
Brothers Chris and Michael Gangemi are excited to see their horse, Repossession, poised to be a leading contender in Saturday's Listed Tabtouch Placid Ark Stakes (1200m) at Ascot, thanks to a fortunate barrier draw. The promising three-year-old has drawn barrier one, a position that proved advantageous for him in the recent Placid Ark Prelude, leaving the trainers absolutely delighted.
Following a remarkable win in the Prelude, where Repossession took the lead from the start, the brothers felt a wave of relief upon seeing him secure a favorable inside draw once more. With jockey Brad Parnham on board, the gelding confidently maintained his position on the rail, delivering a compelling performance that allowed him to surge ahead and claim victory by a length. The Gangemi team's confidence has only intensified since that achievement, with Michael recognizing the horse's increasing potential as they gear up for the upcoming challenge.
“We’re very pleased with the draw,” Michael shared with Racing WA. “He’s a horse that truly knows how to compete, and his performance in the Prelude was a significant statement. Achieving the fastest 200m of the meeting wasn’t a coincidence – he possesses exceptional speed, particularly in the early stages. We have always recognized something special in him.”
The statistics certainly support this. Repossession achieved an impressive split of 10.3 seconds from the 800m to the 600m point, demonstrating his capacity to accelerate at crucial moments. Although he expended some energy early in the race, his strong finish down the straight highlighted his resilience, a vital quality in the fiercely competitive realm of Australian horse racing.
“He has only raced three times, but he has already demonstrated that he can compete with the top contenders,” Michael remarked. “If he starts well on Saturday, we will aim for the front position. This race has always been our target for him, and we believe he has what it takes to be in contention.”
After securing a remarkable debut victory at Belmont last June, Repossession showcased his potential with a solid performance in the Max Simmonds Stakes, finishing fourth despite a slow beginning. Michael strongly believes in the gelding's capabilities, stating, "He's only been defeated once, and that shouldn’t have happened. A little misfortune in a major race shouldn't diminish his potential. If luck is on his side, he stands a great chance of adding another win to his record."
In terms of competition, Repossession is up against some strong rivals. The favorite at $2.40, Wind And The Lion, who finished 2.8 lengths behind in the Classic Prelude, presents a significant challenge. However, the Gangemi team remains optimistic about their horse's ability to perform under pressure. Both Repossession and the first emergency entry, Magna’s Choice, are positioned as $4.40 second favorites in the betting market, indicating an increasing confidence in their chances of winning.
Considering Repossession's potential, the Gangemi brothers are optimistic that their horse's swift development will continue. "This is his big moment," Michael stated. "He has come a long way, and we are confident in his capabilities. If fortune is on our side, we will be competing closely for the victory."
The upcoming race on Saturday is set to be an exciting showdown, and given Repossession's performance and the strong belief from his trainers, the $500,000 prize could very well be attainable for this talented young horse.
