Basilinna’s owners are pursuing yet another ‘win and you’re in’ race opportunity at the Mornington meeting.
Basilinna qualified for the Melbourne Cup ballot last season via her success in the Andrew Ramsden (2800m) at Flemington in May.
Trainers David and Emma-Lee Browne are open to targeting the Andrew Ramsden again, but prioritise the Listed Mornington Cup (2400m) on Saturday first.
Winning the Mornington Cup offers a ballot exemption to the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) scheduled for October.
The mare has had a brace of runs this preparation – 1800m and 2000m – and according to David Browne, the Saturday 2400m trip is a superior match for her.
Nevertheless, the trainer thinks she could be one start away from full fitness, impacted by a bone chip that cut short her prior spring and barred her from last year’s Melbourne Cup.
“She’s got a good soft draw so she should be able to sit in a good spot,” Browne said.
“Then we’ll need some luck getting out and hopefully there’s a bit of rain as that will help her out as well.
“A Soft 6 or 7, I would be happy, but if it stays a Soft 5, it’s still good for her.”
Browne has been happy with the mare’s two efforts this campaign, even though she was outclassed in those events.
She ended up last on her return in the Peter Young Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield, then eighth in the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) on March 28 at Flemington.
“I thought her run in a high-pressure race, against very good company, was excellent last time,” Browne said.
“She beat the horses she needed to beat, and that’s all you can ask.
“She feels better than she ever has, so we’re pretty happy in that way but the hardest thing with her is she has been one run behind.
“When you take a chip out like we had to last year, that puts you behind because she was a bit burly to start with, so that is why we had to go to the Australian Cup to play a bit of catch up and get a run into her.
“The first two weren’t suitable races for her to go in, but I thought she did a good job.”
Following this weekend, Basilinna’s path forward is unclear.
She could head to the Listed Warrnambool Cup (2350m) on May 7, or the Listed Andrew Ramsden at Flemington on May 16.
“If she went to Warrnambool, that might pull her up for the campaign as it is a pretty quick back-up to Flemington,” Browne said.
“I think we’ll play that last one by ear, whether we do both or pop her out.”
For the latest racing betting markets, visit trusted betting sites before the Mornington Cup.
