Antino’s fighting qualities

[Wandering Eyes]

It’s hard to be confident lining up against Amelia’s Jewel (Siyouni), but trainer Tony Gollan says his rising star gelding Antino (NZ) (Redwood) will acquit himself well in the Gr.1 Toorak Handicap at Caulfield on Saturday.

All the better for two Victorian runs under his belt this spring campaign, Gollan says the five-year-old is beginning to reach his physical peak ahead of his first crack at the top level.

“He’s building nicely, his work, everything about him, his body condition, his skin tone is coming along very nicely so we’re very happy,” Gollan said.

“Confidence levels are good that he can run well, obviously we’re racing against a very short-priced favourite who’s obviously very talented, so we’re under no illusions how tough that’s going to be. When it comes to a fight, he’ll get into it.”

With the race set to be Antino’s third Victorian start at a third different track, a look at Caulfield before the Toorak was essential.

“He was just getting a bit familiar with the place, he’s never been here before or raced at this track and we all know it can be that little bit tricky,” Gollan said following a gallop on Tuesday morning.

“His work this morning was great, he sat off a workmate of Ciaron (Maher) and Dave’s (Eustace) and worked up nicely.”

With 13 days between runs after winning the G3 Sandown Stakes (1800m), Gollan says Antino’s work has been about keeping him up to the mark.

“There’s not a whole lot you can do, just keep him happy, keep him moving forward,” Gollan said.

Blake Shinn will again ride Antino, with Gollan confident his versatility can aid his winning chances.

“He’s a versatile horse, he can race forward, back, mid, doesn’t really matter,” he said.

“Every time he (Shinn) sits on him he finds something new about him and gets more confidence in the horse.”

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