Antino has underlined his place among Australia’s elite gallopers with a dazzling victory in the Group 1 Doomben Cup (2000m), producing a powerhouse finish to dominate the feature event.

Sent out as the $3 favourite, the now dual Group 1 winner delivered a performance every bit as commanding as his 6-½ length romp in last year’s Toorak Handicap. With Blake Shinn in the saddle, Antino swept around the field before surging clear to defeat Fawkner Park ($8.50) by four lengths, with Kovalica ($7) narrowly edging Militarize ($19) for third place.

Benefiting from the fierce early speed set by Pride Of Jenni — who faded quickly after working hard to lead — Antino backed up his dominant Hollindale Stakes victory to further cement his standing as one of the premier middle-distance horses in the country.

The win gave Tony Gollan his eighth career Group 1 success and third at the elite level in Queensland. Gollan described the result as nothing short of “special.”

“He’s been the best horse I’ve trained for some time,” Gollan said.

“It took us until last year to win the Toorak and break through at Group 1 level, but since then, the whole team has improved, and so has he. He’s gone to another level.”

“What we saw today was pretty special. That was a strong Doomben Cup field, and he’s put them away with ease. Now we can look ahead to Melbourne in the spring.”

With Antino now proven over the 2000-metre journey, Gollan revealed the stable would target none other than the Cox Plate in the spring.

“We’ll send him for a break now and aim him at the Cox Plate. His racing style is perfect for that kind of race, especially at Moonee Valley, where they can roll into it and build momentum,” Gollan said.

“I told Blake today, ‘He’s as good as I can get him. When it’s time to go, he’ll give it to you.’ And that’s exactly what he did.”

“He was a bit underdone at the Gold Coast, but today he was rock-hard fit. That was one of the most satisfying wins I’ve ever been part of. It means the world to all of us involved.”