Vauban (Galiway), the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained import, is set to take his place in Saturday’s Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m), following a strong showing in last week’s Group 1 Tancred Stakes (2400m) at Rosehill.
The six-year-old, now raced by Australian Bloodstock, finished a credible third behind Dubai Honour and Duke De Sessa, and will again line up against the William Haggas-trained Dubai Honour this weekend as he continues his path towards a third tilt at the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) in November.
“We were open to both,” Bott said of choosing between the Queen Elizabeth Stakes and the Sydney Cup for Vauban.
“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,” Bott added.
“It’s great being there and exciting to have him being part of it. He is well and truly capable of being competitive there.”
“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.”
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