$500 mare begins Basilinna story

[Wandering Eyes]

Emma-Lee Browne is reminded of her favourite horse Monarch Chimes every time she looks at emerging filly Basilinna.

A talented jumper who contested the Grand National ‘Chase and Grand Annual ‘Chase, Monarch Chimes stole his trainer’s heart during a 38-start racing career and was loved as much for his ability as he was for his kind nature.

Browne was left gutted after the horse’s death in 2019 and said her husband David turned to the online auctions to help mend her broken heart.

He paid a mere $500 for aging Shinko King mare So Royal and hoped that the connection to the late sire would bring his wife some comfort.

Four years later, she’s brought them a Classic contender.

On Thursday, Basilinna tackles the Group 1 VRC Oaks (2500m) at Flemington on what shapes as a monumental day for the husband-and-wife training duo.

A product of So Royal’s mating with young New Zealand sire Staphanos, Basilinna has already exceeded the expectations of her connections.

“We lost Monarch Chimes, who was very good jumper and was close to my heart,” Browne said.

“My dear husband thought what better thing to do for me than buy a $500 broodmare by the same sire to make me feel better.

“We really liked the Japanese influence and we had been looking at Staphanos and Satono Alladin.

“Staphanos was reasonably priced for where we were at with our breeding and when we went and saw him, I really liked him, so my mind was made up.

“We bought her (Basilinna) to Australia with the thought that we’ll see how we go and she’s already exceeded our expectations.”

While there are obvious physical differences between Monarch Chimes and Basilinna, Browne said there are definitely also some likenesses between the pair when it comes to their attitudes.

Like she did with Monarch Chimes, Browne said her daughter Lucy has forged a strong bond with the filly.

“There are probably a few similarities between this filly and Monarch Chimes, but he was a jumper, so she’s obviously a lot more forward than he was,” she said.

“She is built quite similar, big and strong, but she probably gets that from her mum.

“They have the same attitude – he was a one-person horse and she is a little bit the same, although it’s my daughter Lucy and not me.”

Basilinna earned her place in Thursday’s $1 million race with a closing third in the G3 Ethereal Stakes (2000m) last start and Browne said her program since has gone according to plan.

Retiring superstar Damien Oliver will ride the three-year-old, who is rated a $9.50 chance with Sportsbet after drawing barrier two.

Victory will well and truly announce the arrival of the Brownes to Victoria, little more than 18 months after relocating from New Zealand.

“I can’t fault her coming into Thursday and we’re just excited to be there,” she said.

“She’s done everything right to this point and trained on well so you don’t get too nervous – what will be, will be.

“Having Damien Oliver stick with her is a massive plus.”

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