Antino stars in the Hollindale Stakes

Antino delivered a brilliant performance in Saturday’s Hollindale Stakes (1800m) at the Gold Coast, bolstering his reputation as a rising star beyond a mile and affirming Tony Gollan’s belief that the gelding can become a top-tier middle-distance performer.

The Group 1 Toorak Handicap winner produced a blistering turn of foot to win the Group 2 contest by 3-1/2 lengths, leaving his rivals behind in heavy conditions and booking a spot in the upcoming Brisbane features.

“I have never really trained him to get a trip until this prep,” Gollan said after the race. “I always had him pinned as a miler, but we’ve put in all the groundwork with him from the minute he got back from Hong Kong.”

“We might dare to go to the Q22 with him after the Doomben Cup. He’s bred to run this kind of distance, and it finally feels like he’s ready for the challenge.”

Antino is now rated a $4 chance for the $1 million Doomben Cup, sitting just behind the $3.50 favourite Pride Of Jenni on most betting markets.

Fawkner Park put in a solid effort to finish second at $19, while Kovalica held third. Pre-race favourite Buckaroo ($3.80) was never a factor, finishing 10th and well beaten.

Jockey Blake Shinn, who had last partnered Antino in Hong Kong, returned with confidence and executed a race-winning strategy despite the heavy track conditions.

“We had to come up with a plan to try to win the race, I trust this horse and I have a lot of confidence in Tony as a trainer,” Shinn said.

“He told me it’s the fittest the horse has ever been, he told me to ride the horse as he likes to be ridden and keep him comfortable and balanced, and fortunately it paid off.”

The Hollindale Stakes turned out to be the final race of the afternoon, with deteriorating weather leading officials to cancel the last event on the card.

Antino’s emergence as a 2000m contender will have punters watching his next move closely. For the best odds and promotions during the winter carnival, explore our betting sites list.