While some may view Antino’s entry in the Group 1 All Aged Stakes this Saturday as a bold step, trainer Tony Gollan has his sights set on bigger goals for the Queensland star, including a series of key races during Brisbane’s winter carnival.
Antino recently trialled at Eagle Farm where he finished behind Rothfire under a heavier rider. Despite the placing, Gollan was pleased with the effort and felt the trial served its purpose as a tune-up for Randwick’s 1400-metre contest.
“He was getting a bit of kickback in that trial and the data from it is really good,” Gollan told RadioTab.
“He’s not a horse that likes to get back on that Eagle Farm track when it is kicking back a lot of sand but he closed off well and his recovery was good.”
With regular jockey Blake Shinn sidelined by a 10-meeting suspension following a careless riding charge, Gollan has called on Mark Zahra to take the reins—Zahra having previously partnered Antino in the Champions Mile.
“Mark rode him in the Champions Mile and we are fortunate to be able to get a hold of him,” Gollan said, referencing the gelding’s second placing in last November’s 1600m Group 1 event at Flemington.
Antino’s last start in the Hong Kong Mile (1600m) was a forgettable outing, encountering interference and finishing down the track—far from the form shown in the Toorak Handicap (1600m) where he posted a career-best rating of 124.
Gollan has drawn a line through the Sha Tin performance and is focused on stretching Antino out in distance throughout the Stradbroke season.
“He’s the fresh legs in the All Aged and building towards the winter carnival,” Gollan added.
“Where his rating is, there aren’t a lot of options and I was keen to give him a good break after what was a really busy winter and spring. He needed to get over such a process.”
After Randwick, Antino is expected to contest the Group 2 Hollindale Stakes (1800m) on May 10, followed by the Group 1 Doomben Cup (2000m) and potentially the Group 2 The Q22 (2200m) in June.
“He is such a relaxed horse and if you look at him in the run, he goes to sleep so he gives himself every chance to get a trip,” Gollan said.
“I’d be disappointed if I never gave him the opportunity to get out to those distances.”
Heading into Sydney first-up, Antino holds a strong fresh record with four wins from six starts. He’s currently priced at $11 in early markets, with TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) winner Briasa the $3.50 favourite.
