VRC Oaks placegetter Basilinna to start autumn campaign in Group 3 TAB Vanity at Flemington

Basilinna emerged as a staying talent in the spring but will start a campaign aimed at Group 1 heights in Saturday’s Group 3 The Vanity at Flemington.

Basilinna will chase a start in the Group 1 Australian Oaks in a preparation that starts in the Group 3 Vanity at Flemington. Picture: Racing Photos via Getty Images

Winning is unlikely but one of the spring’s rapid improvers will start an Oaks campaign in the Group 3 TAB Vanity at Flemington.

Basilinna started her first preparation with a second in a Sale maiden last September before progressing to finish third to Zardozi in the Group 1 VRC Oaks four starts later.

Pakenham trainers Emma-Lee and David Browne have entered the three-year-old for the Group 1 Australian Oaks in Sydney in April but the stable has several options with the staying filly.

Emma-Lee Browne said the daughter of Japanese stallion would have the chance to earn a trip to Sydney in her next few starts.

“It’s exciting for everyone that she was able to put herself there in the spring so, at this stage, the Oaks are on the radar,” she said.

“Which one? She will tell us as she goes along and at what level we’re travelling.

“We’re keeping our options fairly open at the moment.

“Hopefully, she can keep building on what she did in the spring and it will be nice to be competitive in those type of races.”

It’s Group 1 glory for James Cummings and their star three-year-old filly ZARDOZI!

Congratulations for an awesome display to take out the 2023 Kennedy Oaks.

📽 @10SportAU | #OaksDaypic.twitter.com/ar9Pu4rXOp

— Victoria Racing Club (@FlemingtonVRC) November 9, 2023

Basilinna is an $8 equal third favourite in early betting on The Vanity but Browne said the filly’s relaxed attitude suggested the 1400m would be too short for the talented stayer.

“She’s a lot more settled in her ways this time in and hopefully she’ll be running home well.

“I think she’s actually matured mentally now and she’s a lot more grown up.

“We’ve given her two jumpouts to try and bring her on because we want her to try to be competitive but we think she’ll take a run or two to reach her peak.”

TAB has Basilinna at $15 in its all-in market on the Australian Oaks, which will be run at Randwick on April 13.

Originally published as VRC Oaks placegetter Basilinna to start autumn campaign in Group 3 TAB Vanity at Flemington