Anton Golino makes his mark in New South Wales

Prominent trotting trainer Anton Golino is now firmly established at Pheasants Nest, located in the Macarthur region and close to Menangle Park.

Golino who is best remembered for the success of outstanding trotting import Callmethebreeze and the star mares Im Ready Jet and Revelstoke has trained 32 Group 1 winners and all together 495 overall wins.

We have 25 stables, I like to think 20 or so is a good number to work with. At the present moment we’re virtually at the limit of what we can handle.

What makes Golino’s involvement especially interesting is his deep connection with Europe especially with France.

I follow developments closely with trotters in both America and Europe. But it is still very much at an early stage as to whether there’ll be increased involvement especially with Europe.

The French are happy to stay in France for the most part. They race for such good money. It’s hard to get them to come.

The reality is that although our trotters getting better we’re still behind them.

He acknowledges that potential Australian owners could be interested but it’s not going to change overnight.

Although widely recognised as an expert with trotters Golino accepts that in New South Wales he needs to include pacers into his stable.

There’s just not enough availability to concentrate solely on trotters.

Golino has Toro Stride entered for the Inter Dominion but more than likely he won’t go.

He’s really not up to them so I think I’ll keep him here for racing around Menangle.

This Saturday in the Nutrien Series Finals at Wagga, Golino has two runners entered namely Sumthin Different in the two year old colts and geldings Trotters Final and Iconic Image in the three year old colts and geldings Trotters Final.

Commenting on Sumthin different Golino noted

I like him. In time he’s going to develop into a really nice horse. He’s a Love you and a nice big horse. There’s no reason to turn him out after, we’ll give him a little freshen up after the series. I’ve got the Foundation series in mind he raced in one heat at his first start and ran third. The Redwood to be run at Maryborough is a possibility later in the year.

Golino obtained Iconic Image in April earlier this year and he’s been a bit slow in coming back to the form he showed when he won the QBred Final at Albion Park last August.

He did great job in Queensland under Shawn Grimsey’s training. He lacks speed but he’ll trot all day and he’s a lovely horse in every other aspect. If he gets a decent trip he’s a chance.

Obviously Golino’s presence in New South Wales will be a boost to the trotters in that State and he’s likely to be a familiar figure around the Menangle circuit.

 

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink