Set Square, a late entrant with the least starts, made light of her inexperience to rush away with the Crown Oaks at Flemington.
The Ciaron Mahar-trained filly has made spectacular progression after making her debut in a Donald Maiden seven week ago to claiming the Oaks at her fourth start.
And, this daughter of Reset, enters the Crown annals as the least experience filly ever to win the classic.
It was a stunning training triumph for Maher, who noted Set Square improved every time he put a saddle on her.
Mahar said it was decided to run Set Square in the Oaks after she won the Ethereal Stakes, which helped connections pay the $55,000 late entry fee.
It proved an inspired decision as Set Square exploded when Hugh Bowman asked her to extend at the end of the Oaks.
Set Square gave Maher his second Group 1 nearly seven years to the day after Tears I Cry provided him with his first in the Emirates Stakes.
For Bowman, who missed a large chunk of the VRC carnival after being suspended on Caulfield Cup day for 20-meetings, it was his second Oaks win – Samantha Miss in 2008 was the first – and his 37th Group 1 win.
Maher described Set Square, a $7.50 chance, as “one out of the box.”
“I didn’t think she would get to the races this time around. She started to lighten off and I told Ken King about it, but the next thing she began to thrive.
“So, here we are. It is unbelievable. She always showed me she was a natural stayer.
“She has a good constitution and had that real staying action. There was never any question with the trip, probably more the fact it was her first preparation.”
Bowman described Set Square’s effort as “great” and he noted his confidence grew the longer the race progressed.
“She has got so much upside and it’s just an honour and a privilege to be part of these big races,” Bowman said.
Set Square surged clear to win by one and a half lengths from Thunder Lady, $10, with a neck to Golconda, $21, third.
Lumosty, backed from $5 to $4.40 favorite, loomed to win at the top of the straight, but did not stay the trip as she faded to finish sixth.
Go Indy Go, a $5 chance, never threatened in finishing seventh, but it was later revealed she pulled up lame.
Fontein Ruby, which dropped out to finish last, scoped with mucus.
– Racing Network
