For Albukhturi (NZ) (Iffraaj), the time has come to make a stand and turn potential into performance in the Listed WAROA-Belmont Guineas (1600m) on Saturday.
Michael Gangemi, who trains in partnership with his brother Chris, is optimistic the Iffraaj gelding can make an impact, despite his market status and form.
The former Melbourne horse has one win from eight starts and showed the Gangemi’s a glimpse of his talent when runner-up to Glenfiddich (Fastnet Rock) in the Mornington Sires (1500m).
Glenfiddich progressed to win the Gr.2 Stutt Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley and ran third in the Gr.1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield.
Albukhturi transferred west and got off to an encouraging start when runner up to Belmont Guineas rival, I’m Eugene (Demerit) at Belmont in May.
But he has since fallen away and lost a fair share of admirers after finishing unplaced at his next two starts over 1300 and 1400m respectively.
The TAB has Albukhturi as the $71 rank outsider in latest betting. Raconteur Stakes runner up Billy Ain’t Silly (I’m All The Talk) is the $2.30 favourite.
Despite being deserted by punters, Gangemi believes his faith in Albukhturi won’t be misplaced on Saturday.
“He’s been disappointing since he has been here, but I think the 1600m will make a huge difference to him,” Gangemi told The Races WA.
“Like any of the horses we bring across we know they have the ability and it’s just a matter of trying to unlock the key to them.
“We’ve been trying different things and on Saturday he will have the winkers on.
“We know what he is capable of and if he produces a similar run to when he ran second at Mornington he will be in it.
“I think the price he’s at is way overs and I haven’t lost faith that he can bounce back.
“He needs to step up, but at his best he can win it
“At the end of the day I wouldn’t swap him for any other runner.”
Brad Parnham sticks with Albukhturi. They combine from barrier seven.
Parnham looking for his second Guineas after he won on Variation (2017).
Chris Gangemi can also claim a second win in the race and the first in combination with Michael after he prepared The Underworld (NZ) (High Chaparral) (2011).
Earlier the Gangemi team will unveil two-year-old Thomas Magnum (NZ) (Per Incanto) in the Crown Perth Plate (1000m).
The Per Incanto gelding looked sharp when eased down to win a 1000m trial by two lengths.
“He’s still growing and is an athlete,” Gangemi said.
“I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do.
“His trial was good and he’s a serious animal.”
Thomas Magnum has drawn barrier eight for Mitch Pateman.
He’s the $4.20 second favourite behind Bopping Blue (Magnus) ($2.70).
