Emma-Lee Browne believes Statuario is ready to peak in Saturday’s Group 1 South Australian Derby (2500m) at Morphettville, following a carefully managed campaign and an ideal lead-in.

Browne, who co-trains alongside husband David, said the Adelaide classic had been in their sights for some time and she’s thrilled with how the gelding has come through his last run.

“I’m very, very happy with him,” Browne said. “He’s come through it good. Trialled up super at Pakenham on Tuesday. So, all set for next week.”

Instead of racing in last weekend’s Group 3 Chairman’s Handicap (2000m), the stable opted for a freshen-up and a 1200m trial on April 22 to keep the horse ticking over.

“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 received a major boost when Statuario came up with barrier three, and John Allen – who has won the SA Derby four times – stays in the saddle.

“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 Brownes are still chasing their first Group 1 win after going close with Scary in the Victoria Derby and Basilinna in the VRC Oaks.

With Statuario the $3.60 favourite, Browne is optimistic their time could come on Saturday.

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

Lavalier, runner-up in the Chairman’s, is second favourite at $5.50 despite drawing barrier 15, while VRC St Leger winner American Wolf is rated a $7 chance with Mark Zahra to ride.