Irish raider Absurde will take a new route to the Melbourne Cup this year, with trainer Willie Mullins electing to run the gelding in Saturday’s Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) as part of his spring preparation.

In his previous two Melbourne campaigns, Absurde went straight into the Cup without a local lead-up, but assistant trainer David Casey said the team wanted to try something different. “We’ve come out earlier this time to get a run into him,” Casey said. “We thought the Caulfield Cup would really suit. Hopefully, it’s a true gallop — that’s when he’s at his best.”

Absurde will again be stabled at Werribee, where he has based for his past Australian visits, and Casey said the horse appears right at home. “He’s used to the trip now — he knows where he is,” Casey said. “He’s enjoying the sun, and it’s been windy, but that doesn’t bother him. He’s in a great place.”

Former stablemate Vauban, now with Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, will also line up in the Caulfield Cup, giving both Irish-bred gallopers another chance to shine ahead of the first Tuesday in November.

Absurde is likely to stay at Werribee rather than head to Caulfield for Tuesday’s international gallop session. “He’s straight enough,” Casey said. “We’ll keep him ticking over and then head to Flemington for the Cup.”

Mullins is yet to confirm whether he’ll travel for the Caulfield Cup, but Casey said the decision would be made closer to race day. “He might come in late — we’ll see,” he said.

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