Hot on the heels of assessing top contender Breakup last week, we now have another new outright favourite for the Melbourne Cup on November 7.
Vauban, a Royal Ascot winner trained in Ireland by Willie Mullins, shot to the head of the Melbourne Cup betting on Monday. His win in the Group 3 Ballyroan Stakes was mightily impressive.
First Group Race Flat Win for Vauban
Already a three-time winner at Grade One level over jumps, Vauban is now finding his stride on the Flat. Willie Mullins’ five-year-old won the Copper Horse Handicap by some 7 1⁄2 lengths at Royal Ascot in June. Now, he is a Group winner with his price collapsing for the Cup.
Mullins had gone on record before Monday’s Ballyroan Stakes, run over 2400 metres, to say that Vauban just needed a top-three finish to secure his place in the Melbourne Cup. Needing only that, it was wise to keep him close to home rather than go across to England.
In the end, the 4/6 favourite was sent forward by jockey Colin Keane and made no mistake. Waiting just in behind the two leaders, Keane pounced after the turn for home. With ease, Vauban hit the front and streaked clear to win by 1 1⁄2 lengths. The manner of victory was outstanding, especially as the distance would be a minimum for this horse.
Could There Be More to Come from Vauban?
Willie Mullins, although as understated as ever, was over the moon with his charge. Jockey Colin Keane reported that the gallop was strong which suited Vauban.
The team knew well that the plan was simply to qualify for the Melbourne Cup. In the event, the horse did that and did it in some style but there seems to be lots more improvement from him. It would be no surprise if we don’t see too much more of him now, allowing him to perhaps stay ahead of the Victoria handicapper.
Any ease in the ground on November 7 would also suit the horse.
What Next for Vauban?
It’s important that we keep tabs on Vauban. Already favourite with most European-based bookmakers, his price has crashed here in the Melbourne Cup betting. Vauban is as short as $8 with the TAB now, but where will he go next?
The five-year-old is entered in the Lonsdale Cup (Group 2) at York later this month over 3200m. He is also in the Irish St Leger Trial and the Leger itself at the Curragh in Ireland. It remains possible however that he may now head straight to Australia.
The final choice remains with the trainer, Willie Mullins. It would appear the Irish St Leger or its trial are favourites, if there is any other lead-up run at all. The Lonsdale Cup will be hot and may be an unnecessary challenge.
Vauban is as short now as $6 with some online bookmakers but may receive a big weight.
