Former European galloper Vauban is set to make his debut for Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott at Rosehill, beginning his autumn campaign as he builds towards the Group 1 Tancred Stakes.
A talented hurdler earlier in his career, Vauban contested the last two Melbourne Cups under the care of Willie Mullins before being purchased by Australian Bloodstock in partnership with Waterhouse and Bott.
He has undergone a steady preparation, including two barrier trials and an exhibition gallop between races at Warwick Farm on Wednesday, as he nears his return to racing.
“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 worked home strongly in his 1400m hitout alongside stablemate Just Fine, the 2023 Metropolitan winner, who narrowly had the better of him at the finish.
Both Vauban and Just Fine will kick off their autumn campaigns at Rosehill on Saturday, with Vauban contesting the Sky High Stakes (2000m) and Just Fine stepping out in the Ajax Stakes (1500m).
It will be Vauban’s first start since finishing midfield in last year’s Melbourne Cup, where he was caught too far back early.
Bott confirmed the Tancred Stakes (2400m) on March 29 is his main goal, 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 head to 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 thriving, so there are a lot of positives.”
Next weekend’s Coolmore Classic will be the feature race at Rosehill, where Waterhouse and Bott are set to run Surround Stakes runner-up Lady Of Camelot.
