Vauban intends to open his autumn carnival account precisely as before – victorious in the Sky High Stakes at Rosehill.

The stable’s co-trainer Adrian Bott confirmed adherence to the same blueprint from a year ago, for his early races at least.

“It’s the race he won twelve months ago, so we tried to do a similar prep for him,” Bott said.

“He is well placed, and he seems in good shape.”

Last year Vauban won the Sky High Stakes (2000m) and followed with third to Dubai Honour and Duke De Sessa in the Group 1 Tancred Stakes (2400m).

These events feature prominently in plans, with Brisbane winter carnival possibilities later.

“Last year we went to the Tancred, which he was a touch unlucky in. If he resumes as well as he did last year, all things being equal we will look at that race again,” Bott said.

“If not, there are other targets we can look at.

“He’s not confirmed for a Sydney Cup path this time through, we might just keep him at that 2000, 2400 and then potentially look at some options in Queensland as well.”

Absent since sixth in the Melbourne Cup, Vauban has trialled thrice for solid preparation.

Cups campaigns in spring can be demanding, yet Bott says Vauban has prospered.

“It’s amazing. He has thrived off the back of it,” he said.

“He has just looked tremendous this campaign, so hopefully that’s a good indication.”

Just Fine represents the stable in the Sky High Stakes as well, and Bott predicts enhanced condition post his midfield showing in the Parramatta Cup (2000m), three lengths back.

His first start after 10 months, he has worked well since.

“He’d had a while off the scene so he will be better for that run,” Bott said.

“He finished alongside Campaldino the other day, who then came out and won well.

“I was really pleased with him going into that run, and I still have been.”

With seven horses, Chris Waller dominates the Sky High Stakes field, Tulloch Lodge the sole other barn.

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