Trainer Shane Fliedner is relying on a proven formula with Setinum who he plans to run at Flemington on Saturday and back-up for a richer prize seven days later.

The three-year-old will tackle the Tom Elliott Drive Trophy (1400m) at Flemington ahead of his main mission, the $250,000 VOBIS Gold Reef (1600m) at Caulfield on April 18.

Setinum was a last-start winner of the Bendigo Guineas on March 21 which he claimed on a seven-day back-up following a closing fourth at Flemington.

Fliedner confirmed his intentions to follow the same template for the horse’s next two starts.

“That’s why he’s had the three weeks between his last run and this,” Fliedner said.

“He had a quick back up after Flemington into the Guineas which was only a week apart so I’m not concerned with him running at Flemington this week and then going to Caulfield.

“He won alright backing up so I’ve got the confidence in him to do it again.”

Fliedner, who has 25 horses in work, is not one to rush his young horses.

He said that while he has a few older horses in his care the majority of his stable consists of two and three-year-olds.

Setinum wasn’t pushed as a youngster and Fliedner said that was the reason the horse could handle a heavier workload now.

The gelding will be lining up for his sixth start on Saturday and his fourth this preparation.

“He’s been given plenty of time but he’s right to cop a bit of racing because he’s been allowed to mature,” Fliedner said.

Despite Setinum’s top weight of 60kg, Fliedner elected not to book a claiming apprentice.

The horse will instead be ridden by Jake Noonan who was aboard for his Bendigo Guineas win.

Article from justhorseracing.com.au