French import set to put best foot foward
French gelding Highly Gentle is expected to show his true form when he steps out over a middle distance on Saturday.
The first metropolitan appearance of Highly Gentle in the Kartaway Mini Skips Handicap (2200m) will add plenty of interest to the Doomben meeting.
Highly Gentle originally raced in France where he had two wins and a fourth from three starts during 2012.
He was bought by a group including Glenlogan Park Stud owner John Haesler and the OTI syndicate headed by Simon O'Donnell.
They hoped he might develop into a top-line stayer and trainer Tony Gollan has given Highly Gentle plenty of time to acclimatise.
The gelding has run fifth in provincial races at both his starts for Gollan who is adamant Highly Gentle needs at least a middle distance to show his best.
"I have been really looking forward to getting him out to a bit of ground," Gollan said.
Gollan will also have the impressive last start Ipswich winner Ten Speed racing for Glenlogan Park in the Nugrow Handicap.
"It was a good win at Ipswich when Ten Seed came from near last but this is a step up," Gollan said.
Gollan maintained his lead in the metropolitan trainers' premiership with the win of Whiskey Allround at Ipswich on Wednesday.
It was his 21st win for the season and puts him well in the frame to break Bruce McLachlan's Brisbane record of 78 wins.
