Fresh off their biggest success in training, Emma-Lee and David Browne are looking to keep the ball rolling at Moonee Valley.
The win of Mcgaw in the VOBIS Platinum Showdown (1200m) at Caulfield last Saturday may not have carried Stakes status, but the hefty first prize certainly made up for that.
With only two Stakes wins to their credit since joining in a training partnership in 2016 – one in New Zealand and one in Australia – the Browne’s will be looking to increase that when Statuario runs in the Group 2 Alister Clark Stakes (2040m) at The Valley on Saturday.
Emma-Lee Browne said Statuario is going to appreciate the rise in trip on Saturday and the smaller field after beating only one runner home in the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington on March 1.
Statuario is a dual winner, while possibly his best performance was when second in the Listed Batman Stakes (1800m) at Flemington during Melbourne Cup week.
“He had an outside draw in the Guineas which was a high-pressure race, but I still thought he finished it off well,” Browne said.
“Stepping up in trip this time is going to suit him as I don’t think he’s a sharp as some of those out and out milers.
“We thought that in the spring as well. His best run was over the 1800 metres during the Carnival at Flemington.
“We don’t get too many opportunities in Group 1 races, so we had a shot, but the wide draw certainly didn’t help his chances.”
Browne said Saturday’s performance will help determine in which direction they head.
The Group 1 Australian Derby (2400m) at Randwick or the Group 1 South Australian Derby (2500m) at Morphettville are both on the table.
Browne said she was still coming to terms with the success of McGaw after a big night of celebrating on the weekend.
“I’m still pinching myself,” she said.
“He’s such an amazing horse. He pulled-up the following morning like he had not had a run.
“He’s a lovely horse, but is still growing, so I think we’ll be patient.”