The powerful Willie Mullins stable has opted for a new approach with globetrotting stayer Absurde, who will contest Saturday’s Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) as a lead-up to next month’s Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington.

After heading straight into the Cup in his past two Australian visits, the seven-year-old will this time have a run at Caulfield as part of a strategic shift by the Irish yard. Assistant trainer David Casey, who has accompanied Absurde on each of his Melbourne campaigns, said the horse has settled in perfectly at Werribee.

“We’ve come out early to get a run into him this time,” Casey said. “It’s something we’ve done before with others, and we thought the Caulfield Cup would really suit him. Hopefully, they go a good gallop and sustain it — that’s what he likes.”

Absurde has previously travelled alongside former stablemate Vauban, who is now trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott and will also contest the Caulfield Cup. Casey said Absurde appears refreshed and familiar with his surroundings. “He’s used to the travelling — he perked up as soon as he got here,” Casey said. “He recognises the place and loves the sun on his back.”

The gelding has been stabled in his usual Werribee box and will remain there to finalise preparations, rather than joining other internationals galloping at Caulfield on Tuesday. “We’ll keep him ticking over. He’s in good shape and worked well on Thursday,” Casey said.

While Mullins has not yet confirmed if he’ll attend the Caulfield Cup, Casey said the master trainer may fly in closer to race day. “We’ll see how he goes Saturday, but the plan remains to head to Flemington after this,” Casey added.

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