Four-year-old gelding Antino continued his winning ways for trainer Tony Gollan when scoring a comfortable victory in the The Star Class 6 Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
The son of Redwood advanced his career record to seven wins from eight starts, with Gollan making no secret of his high opinion of the progressive galloper.
Antino had been second emergency for the Gr.1 Kingsford-Smith Cup (1300m) later on the card but failed to gain a start.
Despite carrying 61.5kg topweight, Antino managed to find the front from barrier 15 and was solid through the line under James Orman.
“We thought that there would be a bit of hustle and bustle early until everyone found their spot,” Golan said.
“Then when they were happy enough with their spot, we thought we would just sit out there and if we had to cover any extra ground, we were only going down the back straight.
“If we had to get across and lead or be right there, we were comfortable to do it.
“More importantly we were comfortable with the horse we have got. He is so versatile; he relaxes well and he is just a really good horse.”
Gollan is confident a rise in distance won’t be an issue as a black-type target awaits.
“I am sure there were a few horses there on-speed who would struggle with a trip too. This bloke isn’t one of them,” Gollan said.
“He has won at a mile, and I know it was only a low-grade race that day but the way he did it was herculean and not many horses win doing what he did around Doomben anyway.
“I am really confident that as we get him up in grade, we can go out in distance with him. You will see him here now, all being well, for the Wayne Wilson Mile (Listed, 1600m) in a fortnight and then hopefully a short break and we will see him away in the spring.”
Bred by Blossom Trading & Breeding Company Ltd, Antino is by Redwood, who is enjoying a purple patch care of multiple Group One winner Sharp ‘N’ Smart, Hong Kong Derby runner-up Tuchel and stakes winning juvenile Solidify, who was luckless in Saturday’s Gr.2 BRC Sires’ Produce (1400m).
Out of a full sister to Group One gallopers Hurrah and Best Gift, Antino was purchased for $27,000 by New Balance Racing at the 2020 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale from the draft of Cheltenham Stables.
