Journalists Wandering Eyes Posted October 12 Journalists Share Posted October 12 Antino’s rivals cannot even be sighted as he races away with the Group 1 Toorak Handicap (1600m) at Caulfield on Saturday. Photo: Bruno Cannatelli The Tony Gollan-trained Antino trounced his rivals to win the Group 1 Toorak Handicap (1600m) under a masterful ride by Blake Shinn at Caulfield on Saturday. The striking son of Redwood had six and a half lengths to spare over runner-up Craig with Perth raider Alsephina finishing third. Antino had been around the mark in elite company with placings behind Pride Of Jenni and Mr Brightside at his previous two outings. After a slow beginning Antino came from last, looping the field prior to the home bend and skipping clear, with winning jockey Blake Shinn deriving the best out of the ultra-talented six-year-old. It was a case of redemption for Antino who had been beaten a lip when second in last year’s Toorak Handicap by Attrition. 2024 Toorak Handicap replay – Antino “He was brilliant, he was awesome, he’s a really good horse,” a delighted Tony Gollan said. “He’s been destined to win a Group 1 and it’s just been a matter of when and to win it like that. It was so close last year, I thought he was just a run short. “This year I knew I had him, as good as we’ve ever had him and it was just a matter of luck on the day and he took that into his own hands and got the job done.” Gollan admitted he was concerned when Antino was back last after stepping slowly which he has done frequently. “We were back last early and I thought we were in a lot of trouble but what a masterful ride by Blake,” he said. “The first thing we said after Moonee Valley the other night when we were racing against Pride of Jenni was he can sustain pressure in a race. No matter where we landed today, we just wanted to travel and then be able to use that long sustained run and that’s what he did. He took off a bit early on him but he can sustain a good gallop for a good while, what a dominant display.” Antino is owned in Hong Kong by Jeetu Ramchandani and the smart New Zealand bred is likely to be on the international stage when competing in the Hong Kong International Mile (1600m) in December. “I was going to go to the Rupert Clarke (Group 1, 1400m), and then to Hong Kong, but I’ll just play it by ear,” Gollan said. “We’ll get home and let the dust settle next week, and you know the horse is at the peak of his powers now. It’s just a matter of holding him in that condition.” Horse racing news View the full article Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.