Antino at peak for Valley assignment

[Wandering Eyes]

Queensland trainer Tony Gollan says Antino (NZ) (Redwood) is at the peak of his powers as he heads to a Stakes race at Moonee Valley.

Antino will be fourth-up when he lines up in the Gr.2 Crystal Mile (1600m) on Saturday.

The Queensland galloper has raced exclusively in Melbourne this campaign, registering a win at Sandown on October 1 before a last start narrow second in the Group 1 Toorak Handicap (1600m) at Caulfield on October 14.

“I think fourth-up last prep was his peak performance and I feel he’s at the peak of his powers now,” Gollan said.

“Not that he wasn’t good in the Toorak, he was bloody good to get as close as he did from where he was in the run, but I think he’s that little bit better again.

“He has to be that little bit better again, because it is a good race on Saturday.”

Antino has only five rivals to go up against on Saturday, but it is one full of quality, including two New Zealand-trained gallopers Mustang Valley (NZ) (Vanbrugh) and Prowess (NZ) (Proisir).

Gollan took advantage of sending Antino across from his Flemington base to Moonee Valley for a look at the track at Tuesday’s Breakfast With The Best.

He said the exercise was worth the trip as Antino got on his right leg and got more out of the morning than if staying at Flemington for a track gallop.

“He’s a very laid-back horse at home,” Gollan said.

“He’s not a horse I worry about taking away too often, but it was ideal for him really.

“It gave him a bit more stimulation, a bit more of a sweat and a bit more than just a normal track gallop around Flemington.

“The main thing was to get him on the right leg and see him quicken off the bend, which is important at Moonee Valley.

“The horse is better and presents better now than he did before the Toorak.

“He’s right where I want him ahead of Saturday, so there should be no excuses.”

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