Statuario is spot on for his grand final in the Group 1 South Australian Derby (2500m) this Saturday, according to co-trainer Emma-Lee Browne.

The Galilee Series Final winner has been building toward this race for some time, and Browne was pleased with his trial at Pakenham earlier this week.

“I’m very, very happy with him,” she said. “He’s come through it good. Trialled up super at Pakenham on Tuesday. So, all set for next week.”

They chose to skip the Group 3 Chairman’s Handicap in favour of a lighter schedule, using a 1200m hitout on April 22 to keep the gelding fresh.

“Just to keep him up to the mark. It was sort of nothing. We didn’t want to back him up this weekend into next weekend. So, nothing really fitted in properly.”

“I think if it’s run right and we get a nice draw, we should be okay with it.”

The stable’s hopes were lifted further when Statuario drew barrier three, with John Allen – a four-time SA Derby winner – retaining the ride.

“He rode him last start, so hopefully all goes to plan,” Browne said. “His run over the 2400 (metres) the other day was really, really good. So if we can do that again, that’d be nice.”

Emma-Lee and David Browne are yet to claim a Group 1, though Scary went close in the Victoria Derby and Basilinna placed in last year’s VRC Oaks.

Statuario is the $3.60 favourite for the Derby, with James Cummings’ Lavalier next in betting at $5.50 and American Wolf at $7 after his VRC St Leger win under Mark Zahra.

“This has been the target so hopefully he runs to his best and he should be in the finish,” Browne added.