Former Irish galloper Vauban is set for a new challenge this weekend as he makes his Caulfield debut in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m), marking his third trip to Australia for the Melbourne Spring Carnival — but his first under Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott.
Previously trained by Willie Mullins, Vauban went straight into the Melbourne Cup (3200m) on his past two visits, finishing 11th in last year’s edition. Following that run, he was purchased by Australian Bloodstock and sent to the Waterhouse–Bott stable, who have tailored a more measured campaign this time around.
Vauban’s new trainers plan to have him peak for the Melbourne Cup on November 4, with Saturday’s Caulfield Cup to serve as the perfect lead-up. Waterhouse said the gelding has thrived since arriving in Australia and is showing all the right signs ahead of the race.
“His coat is gleaming. He’s a very happy horse,” Waterhouse said.
“Blake rode him the other day and was over the moon with him.
“It’s a hard race. They’ve all got their chance, and they’ve all got their reason for being there.
“But Vauban, he’s really happy, he’s healthy and he’s sound. He’s ready to pounce.”
Waterhouse said the team had focused heavily on managing Vauban’s nervous energy after his previous campaigns, where he became unsettled before races and struggled to perform to his best. His recent behaviour suggests that patience is paying off.
Drawn in gate 13, Vauban will be ridden by Blake Shinn, who Waterhouse believes can give him the perfect ride.
“I don’t think he’s had the right positioning in races. He’s been in the wrong place at the wrong time, but that’s just life sometimes,” she said.
“Saturday’s race will suit him well. There will be good pace on. Blake will understand that, and he was my jockey in Sydney for a long time.”
Unconcerned about Caulfield’s reputation as a tricky track for first-timers, Waterhouse said Vauban’s extensive international experience would serve him well.
“He’s a horse that has travelled the world, so why won’t he handle Caulfield,” she said.
“He’s there to win, but it will also set him up nicely for Flemington.”
Those looking to back Vauban in the Caulfield Cup or futures markets for the Melbourne Cup can find top prices at Australia’s leading betting sites, among the most searched platforms on Google for racing odds and spring carnival promotions.
