Trainers Emma-Lee and David Browne are now set to give Basilinna a gentle lead-up after the mare secured automatic entry into the Melbourne Cup.

Basilinna’s commanding victory in the Listed Andrew Ramsden Stakes (2800m) at Flemington on Saturday guarantees her a place in November’s prestigious Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m).

Under Dean Yendall, Basilinna ($21) thrived in Soft 7 conditions, pulling away for a comfortable 1¼-length victory ahead of Glentaneous ($101), while Ferneo ($14) was another 1½ lengths back in third.

Emma-Lee Browne described the win as deeply significant, both personally and professionally.

“I’m a little bit overwhelmed,” Browne said.

“She’s a horse that means a lot to me and I can’t believe that she did it.

“When the rain came we were pretty confident, but she is a proper princess and it might have been too much rain, but she just handled it so well.

“We’ve just got to wrap her in cotton wool now and we’ll be back here in November.

“It’s a massive thing for our whole stable.”

The Brownes, who moved to Australia in 2022, have enjoyed notable success this season, including victory in Caulfield’s $1 million VOBIS Showdown, but Saturday’s triumph stands above the rest.

Browne shared that Basilinna’s dam, So Royal, was bought by her husband after the tragic loss of their jumper Monarch Chimes in 2019.

“Her mum’s by Shinko King and I laughed and said ‘you can’t replace him’ but I think he’s done a pretty good job,” Browne said.

“We bred her and she’s done a pretty good job.

“Right from the start today, she was handling the track great and I think I will be the only one hoping for rain in November.”