Antino has stamped himself as a genuine heavyweight in Australian racing with a dominant display in the Group 1 Doomben Cup (2000m), powering home to deliver a clear-cut win under Blake Shinn.

The $3 favourite added a second Group 1 trophy to his resume, producing a performance as authoritative as his explosive 6-½ length win in the Toorak Handicap last spring. Shinn allowed Antino to stride into the race from the back, and the pair swept past the field to defeat Fawkner Park ($8.50) by four lengths, with Kovalica ($7) just getting the better of Militarize ($19) for third.

Pride Of Jenni ensured a strong pace up front but faded soon after straightening, leaving the door open for Antino to capitalise and back up his win in the Hollindale Stakes with another Group 1 triumph.

For trainer Tony Gollan, it was Group 1 victory number eight and his third at the highest level in his home state, describing the achievement as particularly meaningful.

“He’s been the best horse I’ve trained for some time,” Gollan said.

“We finally broke through in the Toorak last year, and since then, he’s just kept improving. The whole team has lifted, and today shows how far he’s come.”

“That was a strong field and he’s made it look easy. Now we can start planning for Melbourne in the spring.”

Gollan confirmed that Antino will be sent for a spell, with the ultimate goal being the Cox Plate — Australia’s premier weight-for-age championship.

“The Cox Plate is where we’re heading. His racing pattern and ability to sustain a run makes him ideal for that sort of race,” Gollan said.

“I told Blake before the race that he was spot on today. At the Gold Coast he wasn’t quite there, but today he was perfect. That’s as good a win as I’ve been a part of, and it means a lot to all of us.”