Gollan Hopes Luck Goes Hi Son's Way

Tony Gollan admits he is still learning about Hi Son but says there will be no excuses if he is beaten at Doomben at his third start for Brisbane's premier trainer.

The five-year-old, who tackles Saturday's Bell Plumbing Open (2100m), has a reputation for being unlucky in his races and it has been no different since his arrival at Gollan's stable.

He was left in front when unplaced at Doomben on July 26 and was pushed deep when second at Eagle Farm two weeks ago.

"I should have twigged when the first time I worked him he was very sharp," Gollan said.

"I have since come to the conclusion he will either be one of those stayers who could sit and sprint or he could prove not to be a genuine stayer."

"We will find out on Saturday and I hope it is the former."

Gollan said Hi Son had everything in his favour on Saturday.

"He has a lovely alley in barrier three which means he should be able to get a handy sit with cover," he said.

"The race is there for him to win. I will be disappointed if he doesn't race well."

The trainer will use Saturday's Australian Open Polo Hcp (1200m) as a yardstick for three-year-old filly Pienkna.

Pienkna made a belated debut on August 6, winning a 1000m three-year-old maiden in impressive fashion, living up to Gollan's big opinion of her ability.

The filly cost $210,000 at the 2013 Magic Millions sales and is regally-bred being by More Than Ready out of the Flying Spur mare Vignor.

"We really thought she would be a Magic Millions Classic chance but a few things went wrong. She has always been in my top bracket of horses," Gollan said.

"It should be a great race and we will know where we stand with Pienkna after it."