Antino stamped himself as one of Australia’s elite gallopers with a stunning win in the Group 1 Doomben Cup (2000m), delivering a dominant four-length victory under Blake Shinn.

The $3 favourite replicated the brilliance of his 6½-length triumph in last year’s Toorak Handicap, circling the field to crush a quality line-up.

Fawkner Park ($8.50) chased gamely for second, while Kovalica ($7) just edged out Militarize ($19) for third.

Antino relished the hot tempo set by Pride Of Jenni, who faded early in the straight, as he backed up a Hollindale Stakes win with an even stronger performance.

Trainer Tony Gollan celebrated his eighth Group 1 win, calling the moment “pretty special.”

“He’s been the best horse I’ve trained for some time,” Gollan said. “We can set our sights now on Melbourne in the spring.”

The Cox Plate is firmly in Gollan’s plans.

“His racing style suits a race like that. He’s rock fit. That’s as good a win as I’ve been involved in.”