A Group 1 staying feature at Rosehill will be the autumn mission for one-time Melbourne Cup favourite Vauban
Former European galloper Vauban is set to make his debut for new trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott at Rosehill as he heads towards the Group One Tancred Stakes.
A star hurdler earlier in his career, Vauban contested the past two Melbourne Cups under the tutelage of renowned Irish horseman Willie Mullins before being purchased by syndicators Australian Bloodstock, in conjunction with Waterhouse and Bott.
He has enjoyed a slow build up for his new stable with two barrier trials and an exhibition gallops between races at Warwick Farm on Wednesday to round out his carnival preparations.
“I wanted to get him out and get that race day experience before we get him to the actual races,” Bott said of the midweek hitout.
“He had a good experience, a good day and got out on the course proper and had a nice piece of work.
“Starting first-up over 2000 metres, we wanted to have him forward enough in condition.
“He needed that in terms of the outing and the overall experience. It was a positive outing for him.”
Vauban stretched out nicely in Wednesday’s 1400m hitout with stablemate and 2023 Metropolitan winner Just Fine, who shaded him on the line.
Both will kick off their respective campaigns at Rosehill on Saturday with Vauban to line up in the Sky High Stakes (2000m) and Just Fine the Ajax Stakes (1500m).
It will be Vauban’s first appearance since last year’s Melbourne Cup in which he finished midfield to Knight’s Choice after getting well out of his ground early.
Bott confirmed the Group 1 Tancred Stakes (2400m) at Rosehill on March 29 was his autumn target, while he holds nominations for the Doncaster Mile (1600m), Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) and Sydney Cup (3200m).
“He will resume in the Sky High and then he will be targeted towards the Tancred second-up. That’s his main aim,” Bott said.
“I have been really happy with him. He looks in great shape and he’s doing very well so there are a lot of positives.”
The Coolmore Classic will be the headline race at Rosehill next weekend with Waterhouse and Bott set to saddle up Surround Stakes runner-up Lady Of Camelot.
