Former European galloper Vauban is set to debut for Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott at Rosehill, beginning his autumn campaign en route to the Group 1 Tancred Stakes.
A star hurdler in his earlier career, Vauban contested the past two Melbourne Cups under Willie Mullins before being purchased by Australian Bloodstock in partnership with Waterhouse and Bott.
After a steady preparation, including two barrier trials and an exhibition gallop at Warwick Farm on Wednesday, he is now ready to race.
“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 for 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 the 1400m gallop alongside stablemate Just Fine, last year’s Metropolitan winner, who narrowly edged him out at the line.
Both Vauban and Just Fine will launch their campaigns at Rosehill on Saturday, with Vauban contesting the Sky High Stakes (2000m) and Just Fine running in the Ajax Stakes (1500m).
It will be Vauban’s first appearance since last year’s Melbourne Cup, where he finished midfield after settling too far back early.
Bott confirmed that the Tancred Stakes (2400m) on March 29 is his main autumn target, though he also holds nominations for:
- Doncaster Mile (1600m)
- Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m)
- Sydney Cup (3200m)
“He will resume in the Sky High Stakes, then target the Tancred second-up. That’s his main aim,” Bott confirmed.
“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.”
Next weekend, the Coolmore Classic will headline the Rosehill program, with Waterhouse and Bott set to saddle up Surround Stakes runner-up Lady Of Camelot.