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Set Square has continued her stellar maiden preparation with victory in the Group 1 Crown Oaks.
A dominant winner of the Ethereal Stakes 19 days ago, connections paid a late entry fee of $55,000 so the daughter of Reset could take her place in the Crown Oaks.
It proved to be money wisely invested at Set Square claimed the Crown Oaks by a length over Thunder Fantasy with outsider Golconda third.
“She has been so progressive,” winning trainer Ciaron Maher said.
“She has thrived this preparation. Every time we’ve put a saddle on her or trialled her she has just gotten better.
“She has always shown me she is a natural stayer and after her Caulfield win she just thrived.”
For Hugh Bowman, it was his second success in the Crown Oaks having claimed the 2008 renewal aboard Samantha Miss in the 2008 renewal.
“She is a good filly,” Bowman said.
“She raced herself into contention here, she wasn’t nominated.
“Ciaron Maher is an absolute conditioner of these middle distance, staying type horses.
“I haven’t ridden a lot for him but I couldn’t think of a better way to get the association going.
“I didn’t settle her until the 1800m mark when I got her into a rhythm.
“The pace was moderate but when the pressure went on, I was in a perfect spot.”