Samizdat on track for Farnley Stakes says Michael Gangemi

Co-trainer Michael Gangemi is hopeful Samizdat’s long losing drought could come to an end in Saturday’s Listed Farnley Stakes (1400m) at Belmont.

It’s been two years and 12 starts since Samizdat last tasted success when he charged home to win the Listed Belmont Newmarket (1200m) first-up.

Michael Gangemi, who trains in partnership with his brother, Chris, says a raft of niggly injury worries and illness has held Samizdat back for too long.

The son of Not A Single Doubt has carried the heavy burden of expectation since the Gangemi’s secured the sale-topping colt at the 2017 Magic Millions Yearling Sale.

Bought for $325,000, Samizdat has returned just over $600,000 in prizemoney from his seven wins, including a career peak in the Group 3 Asian Beau Stakes (1400m).

Gangemi concedes Samizdat is fast running out of time to return to the winner’s list in what could be his final campaign, but has been encouraged by his work and two warm up trials.

He believes Samizdat, who has not raced since January, was in fine fettle to resume and deliver the in-form stable their second Farnley Stakes victory.

“We’re excited to see what he does because the signs behind the scenes that he is showing us is that he’s ready to run a good race,” Gangemi told The Races WA.

“Obviously he has the class to win a race like this and we’re expecting a forward run.

“As long as he’s hitting the line hard we know we’re on the right track.

“He’s showing signs at home of the old Samizdat, so we’re really happy and his trials were good.

“But the big thing was his work on Tuesday morning, it was probably the best he’s worked in a few years.

“We’re hoping it’s all pointing to a good run; his best is definitely good enough for a race like this.”

Samizdat has drawn barrier five in the Farnley Stakes and will be ridden by Shaun O’Donnell.

O’Donnell rode Samizdat to win the Scenic Blast Stakes (1200m) three years ago, one of four stakes victories for the eight-year-old.

The Gangemi’s won the 2015 Farnley Stakes with Rock Magic.

Samizdat is currently rated a $26 chance with Tabtouch

Meanwhile, in race one, the Amelia Park Handicap (1200m), Mir steps out for the first time for the Gangemi brothers.

A three-time winner, the Deep Field seven-year-old left Victoria on a high after scoring over 1000m at Stony Creek in January.

Mir is first-up in Perth following a nice winning trial to top him off when he cruised to the line under little pressure.

The Gangemi, stable, who have proven success with tried horses, are expecting big things from Mir on Saturday.

“We are super excited to send Mir around,” Gangemi said.

“It’s trial the other day was brilliant, going around in second gear.

“He’s a high class horse and we’re looking forward to seeing what he can do first up.”