Former interstate sprinter Super Maxi stormed into Ascot carnival contention with a tough all-the-way win in the Listed Belmont Newmarket (1200m) today.
In an incredible day for the Gangemi family, trainer Chris won the Newmarket and his trainer father, John, won the Broome Cup 15 minutes later with Diamond Tonique.
Fired to the front by jockey Peter Knuckey, Super Maxi ($3.20) shot clear early in the straight and held off Yeah Dardy ($4.60) late to score by half a length. Rebel King ($9.50) was third.
Super Maxi turned the tables on Yeah Dardy after running a close second to him in the New Season Sprint (1000m) last start.
Formerly trained by Hawkes Racing, Super Maxi erased any doubts about running out a strong 1200m when he won at the distance for the first time.
“He’s still not 100 per cent fit so he needed that softish run which he got, so during the run I was pretty confident,” Chris Gangemi said.
“He was a really cheap buy – probably because of his wind problem.
“He’s earned well over his purchase price already so hopefully there’s a few more wins in store.
“He probably won’t go to the 1300 (Idyllic Prince Stakes). We’ll freshen him now and he’ll come back for the short-course sprints over the carnival.”
Knuckey said: “He was found wanting the last little bit again today, but he pinched it on the corner.”