An old-fashioned stayer's return is the modest first-up goal for Gatewood, the imported galloper poised to lead OTI Racing's expansion into Sydney.

In a market assessment that disguises bold autumn weight-for-age plans for the former English stayer, Gatewood will be the least fancied of trainer Chris Waller's six runners in the $150,000 Apollo Stakes at Warwick Farm on Saturday.

"Chris says he hasn't got the dash to be competitive in the Apollo but he'll be finishing strongly," OTI Racing's Terry Henderson said.

"He has got speed ... but over 1400 metres first-up he wouldn't have the speed to match the Shoot Outs and Danleighs of this world."

Gatewood is the latest in an endless line of imported stayers to find at a home at Waller's Rosehill stable.

Unable to compete at yearling sales time as he was trying to become established, Waller boosted his profile on the back of modestly priced horses from England.

Likewise, Henderson first tapped into the European market in 2003, bringing out the subsequent Craiglee Stakes winner Hugs Dancer.

Now well established in the syndication business with Simon O'Donnell under the OTI Racing banner, Henderson says it is envitable they will increase their presence in Sydney racing.

"There are half a dozen horses now in Sydney and there will be more," the Melbourne-based owner said.

"We have learned over the years some stables have a greater aptitude to bring these horses (like Gatewood) on than others.

"Chris has done a remarkable job and we'll be looking to have more horses in Sydney with Chris, Bjorn Baker, Gerald Ryan and Kris Lees."

While former French stayer Lunayir will also carry OTI's colours for Waller in a support race, Gatewood's return will be the more anticipated.

Gatewood was sent out for an Australian spring campaign under the guidance of John Gosden, winning a slowly run Geelong Cup before losing his chance at running in the Melbourne Cup when midfield in the Lexus Stakes.

"He'll go on to the Chipping Norton Stakes after Saturday and after that we should start to see the horse at his best," Henderson said."

Stewards will allow Gatewood to wear ear muffs when he parades before the weight-for-age race but they will be removed at the starting stalls.

It is another import, the Gai Waterhouse-trained Glencadam Gold, who has continued to firm in Apollo Stakes betting.

As much was $5 was offered about his chances but the Metropolitan winner is a clear-cut favourite at $3.80.

Bookmakers rate Shoot Out, the four-time Group One winner on the verge of breaking through the $3 million stakes barrier, just ahead of Tougher Than Ever as the best of Waller's runners.