Leading Brisbane trainer Tony Gollan walked away from Antino’s (NZ) (Redwood) brave third in the Makybe Diva Stakes proud of his run, but still in a quandary as to whether to push on towards a Cox Plate.
Gollan said the Cox Plate was still the likely goal, but he was giving consideration to keeping him at 1600 metres.
“I’m not certain about 2000 metres. He was out on his feet late, but it might have been the ground and also he had to do the donkey work in chasing Pride Of Jenni,” Gollan said.
“We’ve always thought he would get further, but we’re not certain after today.”
He said it was still likely Antino would head to the Gr.2 Feehan Stakes (1600m) on September 27 at The Valley and then they would decide as to whether he should press on towards the Cox Plate.
Gollan pointed out that Antino had to do the donkey work in chasing Pride Of Jenni which might have caused him to tire in the closing stages.
“I thought his run was excellent. He was out on his feet over the last furlong but was it the ground or was it the fact he had to chase Pride Of Jenni,” Gollan said.
Gollan was pleased that on Saturday Antino jumped well in contrast to the Memsie Stakes.
“He stepped away well, which was far preferable to being out the back with the cab catchers.” he said.
“He put himself into the race and sat there in second placing. He then had to do the donkey work to bring Mr Brightside up to Pride Of Jenni.”
Gollan said he also had a doubt as to whether the heavy track suited him.
Blake Shinn, who rode Antino, was full of admiration for his efforts.
“He ran his guts out to run third, beaten by two superstars. He jumped well, put himself in the spot to give himself every chance and ran well,” Shinn said.