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Leading Queensland trainer Tony Gollan is embarking on his maiden international venture as stable star Antino prepares for the US$7m Gr.1 Hong Kong Mile at Sha Tin next weekend.
The Brisbane-based handler is meticulously planning his assault on one of Asia's premier racing events, drawing parallels between his home facilities and the iconic Hong Kong venue. "It feels a lot like Eagle Farm, the tracks seem very similar to what we have with the dirt tracks, so I am not too stressed about that – I have an idea of what I want to do when we get him there," Gollan says.
The prestigious mile contest has previously been claimed by racing luminaries including Good Ba Ba, who secured a remarkable hat-trick from 2007-2009, and the mighty Beauty Generation, who dominated in 2017 and 2018, both achieving multiple Group One successes throughout their distinguished careers.
Antino's Melbourne departure on Monday evening will be shared with Ciaron Maher's charge Recommendation, targeting the Sprint, and last year's Melbourne Cup victor Without A Fight, who contests the Vase.
Gollan, seeking counsel from fellow trainer David Eustace, is studying the Sha Tin training complex intricately. "I spoke to Dave Eustace about the tracks they work the horses on, to pick up on the little things," he reveals.
The Queensland champion is astutely avoiding clashes with local heavyweights Ka Ying Rising and Romantic Warrior. "I had a look at the lead-up race, what is clear is that I am happy to be in the Mile instead of the Sprint or the Cup – they are two champions," he observes.
"I am really excited, now we are getting closer to it is starting to hit home," Gollan continues. "It has been about getting everything prepared, there is a lot of paperwork the team has had to do and different things."
Drawing comfort from the Australian presence, he adds: "I am really pleased there are a few Australian horses going over with us, he is a horse that likes mates, likes having others around him. If we were the only horse in the quarantine barn, it wouldn't have been as an attractive option."