Melbourne Cup 2023: Favourite Vauban an alarming drifter in betting

Irish trainer Willie Mullins says Vauban is his best chance and possibly the best he will ever have to win the Melbourne Cup although punters do not want the star International in late betting on the race.

Vauban came up with barrier three in the draw for today’s Group 1 Handicap over 3200m ant shortened into $3.20, firming from $3.50 with betting sites before the final Melbourne Cup field was declared on Saturday but has been easy ever since and now sits at $6.00 with Ladbrokes minutes out from the race.

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Mullins’ first assignment after flying in from Ireland on Saturday was to head to the Werribee International Horse Centre to watch over Vauban and stablemate Absurde do their final piece of fast work before Tuesday’s race.

“I’m very pleased with both of them,” Mullins said.

“Both horses seem good and well and sound.

“I think he’s as good as Max Dynamite, maybe better, but we’ll find that out on Tuesday.

“He’s our strongest chance and may be my strongest chance ever.”

Max Dynamite has been Mullins’ best finish in the Melbourne Cup, running second to Prince Of Penzance in the 2015 edition.

Vauban still heads the betting on the Melbourne Cup ahead of last year’s winner Gold Trip at $7.50 but the solid support latr has been for Vauban’s stabelmate Asbsurde who is $31’s into $9.50 and Without A Fight who is now into $7.50.