Following their latest training triumph, Emma-Lee and David Browne are eager to keep their winning streak alive at Moonee Valley.
McGaw’s victory in the VOBIS Platinum Showdown (1200m) at Caulfield last Saturday may not have been a Stakes event, but the substantial prize money more than made up for it.
Since teaming up as training partners in 2016, the Brownes have only secured two Stakes wins—one in New Zealand and one in Australia. They are now hoping to add to that record when Statuario runs in the Group 2 Alister Clark Stakes (2040m) at The Valley this Saturday.
Emma-Lee Browne believes Statuario will thrive with the increased distance and smaller field size on Saturday, especially after a disappointing performance in the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington on March 1, where he finished second to last.
Statuario has two wins under his belt, with one of his most notable performances being a second-place finish in the Listed Batman Stakes (1800m) at Flemington during Melbourne Cup week.
“He had an outside barrier in the Guineas, which was a high-pressure race, but I still thought he finished well,” Browne said.
“The step up in distance this time will suit him, as he’s not as sharp as some of the pure milers.
“We felt the same during the spring. His best run was over 1800 meters during the Carnival at Flemington.
“We don’t get many opportunities in Group 1 races, so we took the chance, but the wide draw didn’t help his chances.”
Browne added that Statuario’s performance on Saturday will help shape their future plans. Potential options include the Group 1 Australian Derby (2400m) at Randwick or the Group 1 South Australian Derby (2500m) at Morphettville.
Reflecting on McGaw’s recent success, Browne admitted she was still coming to terms with the win after a night of celebrations over the weekend.
“I’m still pinching myself,” she said.
“He’s an incredible horse. He bounced back so well the next morning, it was like he hadn’t even raced.
“He’s a fantastic horse, but he’s still growing, so we’ll be patient with him.”
