Browne team chase rich VOBIS Platinum The Showdown prize
Emma-Lee and David Browne, the husband-and-wife training team, are hoping to secure their most significant victory to date at Caulfield this Saturday.
A win in the VOBIS Platinum Showdown (1200m) with either McGaw or Himalayan would mark a breakthrough moment for the pair since they began their training career in 2015.
Originally from New Zealand, the Brownes moved their operation to Australia in 2022, initially setting up in Cranbourne before relocating to Pakenham the following year.
While the stable has enjoyed consistent success, they have yet to uncover that one standout horse, but McGaw may be the one to change that.
The Showdown is a race restricted to horses sired by Victorian-based stallions, and McGaw fits that bill as a son of I Am Immortal, out of the mare Niki Piki Milo.
Purchased for just $14,000 at last year’s Inglis Premier Yearling Sale, McGaw made a winning debut at Pakenham on January 30, and the Brownes have targeted the $550,000 prize in the Showdown rather than rushing him into Blue Diamond contention.
After his debut win, McGaw was given a short break before preparing for Saturday’s race, which included two trips to Caulfield to familiarize him with the track.
McGaw's second visit to Caulfield for a gallop on Tuesday showcased his growing maturity, and Emma-Lee Browne is optimistic about his chances.
“We thought it was important to get him away from Pakenham, and he’s handled it well,” Browne said.
“After the second visit, he seemed a lot more settled, and even Damian Lane noticed how calm he was in the tie-ups on Tuesday. Hopefully, this experience helps him race more professionally on the day.”
A win on Saturday would be a career highlight for the Brownes.
“It would be huge for the stable, especially since we picked him out ourselves,” said Browne.
“We’ve had great success with affordable horses, and the owners involved with McGaw have already come back to us for more yearlings.”
In addition to McGaw, the Brownes will also debut Himalayan in the Showdown.
Himalayan, a $24,000 purchase at last year’s Inglis Gold Sale, is by Frosted out of My Fire Phoenix, and although she lacks race experience, Browne was pleased with her recent gallop at Caulfield.
“She hasn’t raced yet, but her gallop with McGaw on Tuesday was excellent,” Browne said.
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