Fresh off their biggest win in training, Emma-Lee and David Browne are eager to keep the momentum going at Moonee Valley.

Mcgaw’s victory in the VOBIS Platinum Showdown (1200m) at Caulfield last Saturday was a significant achievement, despite not being a Stakes race, with the substantial first prize more than making up for it.

Since forming their training partnership in 2016, the Brownes have secured just two Stakes wins, one in New Zealand and one in Australia. They hope to add to that tally when Statuario lines up in the Group 2 Alister Clark Stakes (2040m) on Saturday.

Emma-Lee Browne believes the rise in trip and the smaller field will suit Statuario, who struggled in the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington earlier this month.

Statuario’s best performance came when finishing second in the Listed Batman Stakes (1800m) during Melbourne Cup week.

“Stepping up in trip will suit him,” Browne said. “We thought his best run was over the 1800 metres in the spring.”

Saturday’s performance will determine whether they target the Group 1 Australian Derby or the Group 1 South Australian Derby next.

Emma-Lee Browne is still coming to terms with McGaw’s success after a big celebration. “I’m still pinching myself,” she said.