Why Gollan thinks Antino is “spot on” for Hong Kong Mile test

Hong Kong-owned, New Zealand-born and Queensland-trained, Antino has supporters from all over the globe ahead of the Group 1 Hong Kong Mile (1600m).

After running behind Mr Brightside and Pride Of Jenni became a habit for Tony Gollan’s gelding, steering away from the two stars proved decisive, culminating in victory in the Group 1 Toorak Handicap over the likes of Craig and Another Wil.

Now moving Antino's attention to Hong Kong, Queensland trainer Gollan sung his praises ahead of next weekend’s $7 million race.

“He’s settled in really well; he’s only lost two and a half kilos on the trip over,” he said on SENTrack's Giddy Up.

“I wouldn’t have taken him over there if I didn’t think he could (hold his form)… I was happy to go four weeks into Flemington, then four weeks into Hong Kong, I think that routine is spot on (for his last two runs of the prep).

“The race doesn’t look to have much pressure in it which suits us.”

After deciding to set off to Hong Kong, the next big decision for Gollan was which jockey to put on his star thoroughbred.

Both Mark Zahra and Blake Shinn have ridden him in recent times, but the choice was simple.

“Blake knows him well, there’s certainly no knock on Mark he was world-class when he rode him at Flemington (last start), Blake just knows the horse that much better, he’s ridden him that many more times,” he said.

“It’s something I'm really looking forward to. It’s been a dream of mine, and I never thought I'd be able to get to a meeting like this.”

After having his first start this prep back in August, a win in Hong Kong in early December would prove a stellar training performance from Gollan.

The Hong Kong Mile will be run at Sha Tin on Sunday, December 8.

Antino is currently the equal second favourite at $5.50 with Sportsbet alongside Voyage Bubble. Japanese star Soul Rush is the $4.20 favourite.

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