After spending the best part of 40 years trying to win a Group One race, the Shelbourne-based trainer is still buzzing from Menin Gate’s Group One wins in the Victoria Derby, Queensland Derby and Victorian Super Series.

“I still have to pinch myself,’’ Eastman said.

“It’s been an amazing run. Not everyone gets a good horse and I’m very grateful just to have him running in the final on Sunday.

“If he wins, we’ll be over the moon. If he doesn’t win, it doesn’t matter. We’ll bring him home, give him a spell and aim for more big races later in the year.”

Menin Gate has earned a touch more than $396,000 for his Birchip-based connections.

He goes into Sunday’s final as the second favourite behind Kiwi raider Follow The Stars.

 “He’s got another big run left in him,’’ Eastman said of Menin Gate.

“We gave him an easy time after Brisbane to get him ready for this. His heat run was good, his repechage win was better and last week’s semi-final was better again because we just sat him up and let him sprint up the straight.

“That’s not his go. He prefers to roll along in front. It will be gloves off this week… last man standing.”

Menin Gate has drawn gate five in the final – one spot outside Follow The Stars.

“Menin Gate gets out better from out wide,’’ Eastman said.

“At the winning post the first time he’ll be in front or about to go to the front.  That’s his raxing pattern and there’s no need to change it.

“Follow The Stars is his main rival and he’s driven better with the sit. It will be an enthralling battle, but there’s other nice horses in there that could win the race.

“Hes Lightfingered is a nice horse, Sluggem won well last week, Egodan will be dangerous with the sit behind the leader or two back and Craig Demmler’s horse My Kiwi Mate comes off a sit nicely and he’ll be charging home.”

In a year of firsts for Eastman, it would be fitting if Menin Gate could add another first on Sunday.

“I’ve only had two horses make Breeders Crown finals,’’ Eastman said.

“Menin Gate’s mother Dreams Of Heaven ran second and Menin Gate’s aunty Night In Georgia ran second as well.”

Eastman also has classy mare Milly Perez running in the Group Two Breeders Crown Championship on Sunday.

The Group One Victorian Super Series winner has pulled up well from a difficult run last start and Eastman expects a bold performance on Sunday.

“She worked well with Menin Gate this morning,’’ Eastman said.

“She’s drawn 12, but that doesn’t concern me too much. She’ll get a cart up on the back of something and finish the race off strongly. If there’s pace on early she’ll be in the finish.”