CIARON Maher's top-class gallopers Set Square and Kapour are making good progress in their bids to run in the $6.2 million Melbourne Cup on November 3.
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Set Square, the winner of last year's group 1 VRC Oaks, and Kapour were among 140 entries for Australia's most famous race when nominations closed for the 3200-metre classic on Tuesday.
Maher said Set Square and Kapour would run in feature staying races in a bid to start in the Melbourne Cup.
"Set Square resumed with a really good run at Caulfield on Saturday. Her main early aim is the Caulfield Cup before a possible start in the Melbourne Cup," he said.
"I thought Kapour ran well in the Premier's Cup at Rosehill on Saturday. He's got to win a decent race on the way through to earn a start in the Melbourne Cup."
Victoria's leading trainer Darren Weir entered eight runners for the Melbourne Cup, including Tall Ship, Dandino, Prince Of Penzance and Count Of Limonade who are trained at his Warrnambool satellite stable.
Red Cadeaux, who ran second in the 2011, 2013 and 2014 Melbourne Cups, is among 31 internationally trained entrants from the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, France and Japan.
The first three horses home in the 2014 Melbourne Cup – Protectionist, Red Cadeaux and Who Shot Thebarman – have all been entered.
Racing Victoria's executive general manager for racing, Greg Carpenter, said the quality of nominations reflected the global regard afforded to the Melbourne Cup.
“The Emirates Melbourne Cup is the world’s premier staying race and the quality of the local and international entries for this year’s race is outstanding,” Carpenter said.
“The depth amongst the international contingent is exceptional with the Ascot Gold Cup quinella, Hardwicke Stakes winner, Goodwood Cup trifecta, Lonsdale Cup winner and a pair of Japan’s elite stayers amongst 31 international entries.
“It is most pleasing to see such a strong book of entries from Aidan O’Brien, who has not had a Melbourne Cup runner since 2008 and whom enjoyed breakthrough success in Melbourne last Spring Racing Carnival, winning the Cox Plate with Adelaide."
Weights for the Melbourne Cup will be released on September 15, with first acceptances taken at noon (AEST) on October 6.
