Statuario set for 2025 SA Derby

Emma-Lee and David Browne will be hoping it’s third time lucky in a Group 1 when Statuario tackles Saturday’s South Australian Derby (2500m) at Morphettville.

After a strong win in the Galilee Series Final, the gelding heads into the Derby as the $3.60 favourite and is thriving according to Emma-Lee.

“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.”

Rather than race again between runs, they opted for a 1200m trial to keep him sharp without taxing him ahead of the 2500m test.

“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.”

They got their wish on Tuesday, drawing barrier three and confirming John Allen – who’s won four of the past nine editions – for the ride.

“He rode him last start, so hopefully all goes to plan. His run over the 2400 (metres) the other day was really, really good. So if we can do that again, he obviously got a few favours the other day, but if we could have a repeat, that’d be nice.”

The stable has gone close before, finishing runner-up in the Victoria Derby with Scary and third in the VRC Oaks with Basilinna. Now, they’re hoping Statuario can break through.

Among the main dangers are Lavalier ($5.50) despite barrier 15, and American Wolf at $7 after winning last week’s VRC St Leger with Mark Zahra aboard.

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