Tulloch Lodge will send out a proven Group 1 performer and an emerging stayer as stablemates Vauban and Elamaz clash in the Kingston Town Stakes at Randwick.
Both horses are relatively new to the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott yard, having joined the stable earlier this year, but each has already made an impression.
Elamaz announced himself with a stylish victory in the Listed McKell Cup (2000m) at his Australian debut in June, while Vauban collected a Group 3 win in the autumn before finishing runner-up in the Group 1 Tancred Stakes (2400m) behind Dubai Honour.
Vauban resumed this spring with a tough third to Lindermann in the Chelmsford Stakes (1600m), sticking on well after being ridden closer to the pace than expected.
“He was sharper than I expected over the mile and the 2000 metres is much better for him,” Bott said.
“It’s a distance we’ve seen him effective over last preparation. He looks to have trained on well and he goes there in good order.”
Elamaz, meanwhile, has not raced since his McKell Cup success but has been prepared with two trials leading into Saturday. The French import has finished no worse than second in eight career runs, leaving connections eager to see how he measures up at carnival level.
“Elamaz, we’re continuing to learn more about him but he was excellent at his first and only start here in Australia,” Bott said.
“He’s got to take another step up from winter stakes company through to the carnival stakes races here but he seems to be improving nicely.
“His trials are good so we will learn a bit more on Saturday about what his path and future look like for the preparation.”
Tim Clark will take the ride on Vauban, while James McDonald partners Elamaz in the 2000-metre feature.
Bott says Vauban remains their leading hope on exposed form, but he is optimistic Elamaz can stake a claim for bigger races.
“Vauban is proven and has got the class at this stage,” Bott said.
“He’s had the benefit of having had the run and a bit more conditioning but Elamaz is still a lovely horse for us going forward.”
Punters looking to back Vauban or Elamaz in the Kingston Town Stakes can find odds at Australia’s top betting sites.