High-class stayer Vauban will line up in this weekend’s Queen Elizabeth Stakes, as trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott continue to build towards a long-range goal—the 2025 Melbourne Cup.

After considering a start in either the Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) or the Sydney Cup (3200m), Bott confirmed their preference for the shorter option. The decision reflects a broader plan to sharpen the import for weight-for-age competition while gradually preparing him for another crack at the iconic two-mile Cup later this year.

“We were open to both,” Bott said.

“We know he can run two miles but we have also seen he can be effective over these shorter trips.

“We’re also trying to prepare him for two miles down the track and I don’t mind the idea of trying to get him competitive at this weight-for-age racing first.”

Vauban has impressed since his arrival from Europe, kicking off his campaign with a win in the Sky High Stakes (2000m) and then placing third in the Tancred Stakes (2400m) behind Dubai Honour and Duke De Sessa.

The upcoming Queen Elizabeth Stakes presents a major test, with top-class rivals including Via Sistina, Dubai Honour, and Ceolwulf in the field. But Bott is upbeat about Vauban’s condition and prospects.

“It’s great being there and exciting to have him being part of it. He is well and truly capable of being competitive there,” Bott said.

“Most importantly, he came out of his last run really well and even though he didn’t win, there were some improvements we saw out of it off the back of his first-up win.

“It’s not easy going to that weight-for-age level and he’s got to step up again to go to the Queen Elizabeth but I think it’s a nice race for him.”