3 minute read
Chris and Michael Gangemi can’t wait for Saturday’s Raconteur Stakes (1400m) at Belmont.
The co-trainers saddle up Written Matter who tests his credentials in black-type for the first time.
The lightly-raced three-year-old is undefeated and has earned high praise after his two wins.
On debut at Ascot, he led from barrier to post before backing up a fortnight later and charging home from fourth position to score a 2 ¼ length Belmont victory.
Stepping up from a class one to a Listed feature is a significant challenge, but according to Michael Gangemi the son of Written Tycoon has untapped ability.
"We have a big opinion of this horse," Gangemi told The Races WA.
"He's been pretty good and I don't think he could be any more impressive in what he has shown.
"He's had a few mental issues that he's overcome, but is improving race to race.
"The experience of racing is building his confidence levels.
"He was strong to the line last time out and what I like about him is he'll run through a brick wall.
"He's a progressive horse and ready for the 1400m.
"This will give us a good guide on where he's at.
"If he runs well, we'll look at the Belmont Guineas (1600m)."
The TAB has Written Matter rated at $8.50. The market is led by Graceful Girl at $2.90.
Billy Ain't Silly is $3.70 and Solaia $4.80.
Written Matter has drawn barrier nine, the outside gate in the Raconteur Stakes.
Shaun McGruddy, who won he Raconteur Stakes with Kim Classic (2011), replaces Jarrad Noske.
"I would love Jarrad to be on again, as he knows the horse as well as anyone, but he can't make Written Matter's allocated 55kg," Gangemi said.
"Shaun will go back from the draw and ride him cold."
Meanwhile Gangemi says Samizdat is back in work ahead of a Melbourne campaign in the spring.
"He'll have three or four races in Melbourne and then come back," Gangemi said
"Hit and run missions are the way to go with him now.
"The aim is to end the campaign in the Cantala Stakes over a mile.
"I think the big track at Flemington and a bit of sting out of the ground will really suit him."
On a sad note, the injury-plagued Condor Heroes has run his final race for the Gangemi stable.
"He fractured a sesamoid at trackwork," Gangemi said.
"We knew he had issues when we bought him, but it's still a shame because I don't think we got to see the best of him."
Brought across from Sydney, the speedy Condor Heroes won his opening two races in Perth, the second by nearly five lengths.
