November 4, 2014
Sports reporter at The Canberra Times
Lee Gaskin
Canberra trainer Garry Kirkup has predicted big things for impressive mare Highly Geared after she cruised to victory in a Class 2 Handicap (1000m) at Thoroughbred Park on Melbourne Cup day.
The four-year-old, $3 equal favourite took over at the 400m mark and was never headed to finish three and a half lengths in front of Hollywood Heart and the Gratz Vella-trained McLennan.
More than 5000 race goers packed Thoroughbred Park for the second-biggest racing day on the calendar for the Canberra Racing Club behind only Black Opal Stakes day.
After finishing out of the places in her first two starts, Highly Geared has been red-hot after her break, winning two of her past three.
Kirkup said he would consider taking her to Sydney as she continues to improve with more experience.
‘”She looks like a very promising filly,” Kirkup said. “After a break, she’s had two wins and a second and looks like she’s got a few more wins in her.
“She’s a real speed mare. With the rail out today, it suited her.
“I think she’ll be good enough for a Sydney mid-week, unless there’s the right race here in Canberra.”
Jockey Mathew Cahill has been aboard Highly Geared for the past three rides and has been pleased with her progress.
“It was quite impressive, it was probably the best she’s raced,” Cahill said.
“She jumped really quickly and was two lengths in front, then she had an easy run to the turn.
“When I asked to go at the top of the straight, she got away really quick and put three lengths on them.”
Kirkup has been back in Canberra for the past 12 months after spending the past eight years on the Gold Coast.
“When I decided to back into training I thought I should get back [to] where my old clients are, so it’s worked out well,” Kirkup said.
The next race day at Thoroughbred Park is on November 16.