John Gangemi is quietly confident former New Zealand galloper Central Park can return to the winner’s list in today’s A.E.Leeming Handicap (1400m) at Northam.

The four-year-old son of Thorn Park, who made an impressive start to his Western Australian racing career earlier this campaign with one win and three placings from four starts, has blotted his consistent form with two unplaced efforts at Belmont Park.

A seventh placing to La Soeur Noir over the 2000 metre journey on May 8 was followed by a last-start sixth placing to Danish Conquerer when attempting to lead all the way over the mile journey.

But Gangemi is confident a number of important variables will be the key to a turnaround in form.

“A drop back in distance from the mile, the addition of blinkers and a change in riding tactics will prove crucial,” Gangemi said.

“We’ve tried him over the staying journeys but I don’t think that’s his go.

“He gives you the indication he can stay but I think he’s better suited to shorter trips.

 “He won’t be leading today and will take a sit behind and chase home.

“He is a better horse chasing something down than being up front and switching off.

“I think he is ready to win.”

Gangemi is hoping his faith and perseverance with Blackfriars gelding Any Martins will be rewarded when he makes a return to the track in the A.D.Harris Maiden (1300m).

The five-year-old has suffered injury problems throughout his career and has been a work in progress for the Gangemi team.

He hasn’t bothered the judges in three career runs and will be making his first appearance since a ninth placing to Indigo Torque at Pinjarra on February 1, 2009.

But a win and a third placing from two recent trial efforts has inspired confidence and could be the spark required to reignite his career.

“He is a lovely horse with ability but hasn’t been able to display it on the track because of injury concerns,” Gangemi said.

“Scans at Murdoch revealed his bones had not fully developed and matured.

“But his two trial runs have been encouraging and I’m hoping he can reproduce that form.”

Other runners to look out for this afternoon include Turquoise Bay in the first, Pakasmile for Albie Beckett in race two, Gypsy Myth in the third and Offer Me Jewels in race six for Lindsey Smith.