Racing: Set Square pleases Maher in build-up to cup

File photo / NZME.

Trainer Ciaron Maher is convinced there's plenty to like about Set Square heading into the Caulfield Cup.

Last year's VRC Oaks winner has continued her preparations for Saturday's 2400m handicap with a pleasing workout in company with Lucia Valentina on the course proper yesterday morning.

Trainer Kris Lees was delighted with Lucia Valentina's work in the 1400m hit-out and confirmed the mare would take her place on Saturday having finished third in the race last year.

Lucia Valentina, who finished midfield in the Epsom Handicap last start, led out the gallop before being joined by Set Square and they worked home together.

The gallop was clocked at 1min 33.64sec for the 1400m with a last 600m in 36.87sec and last 400m in 22.65sec.

Maher has timed Set Square's preparation so she goes to the Caulfield Cup at her fourth start of the campaign and he can't fault the mare, who was a last-start Turnbull Stakes placegetter.

"It was a quality field last start and she was really strong," Maher said.

"Out to a mile and a half you'd think she would only be better. She gets in well with 51 kilos. There's a lot to like about her."

Lees wanted to see Lucia Valentina work well yesterday morning and the mare did just that.

"I was very happy with her work. Outside of her Epsom run, she's given every indication she's going as good as last year," Lees said.

"It's a bit unorthodox going from a mile [1600m] to 2400 but she's the type of horse that can do it. It's been done plenty of times before."

Lees will also have Protectionist in the Caulfield Cup and last year's Melbourne Cup winner worked solo on the course proper early yesterday.AAP