Stars aligning for Vauban in G1 Tancred Stakes

Former jumper Vauban wasted no time making an impact with a sharp first-up victory, increasing confidence in his ability as he prepares for a more fitting challenge at Rosehill.

Previously competing across Europe, Vauban had never raced under 2200m. However, he demonstrated his versatility by charging home to secure the Sky High Stakes (2000m) under the watchful eye of trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott.

This weekend, he steps up to 2400m in the $1.5 million Tancred Stakes, and according to Bott, multiple factors are in his favor.

“He’s going to be better suited up to 2400 metres and it’s a bigger field than what we saw in the Sky High Stakes, so you’d naturally expect pressure in that sort of set-up,” Bott said.

“There is also potential rain on the day.

“There are a lot of things that would seem a positive for him going into the race.”

Rosehill’s track was classified as a soft 5 on Thursday, yet meteorologists anticipate 15mm to 60mm of rain, potentially altering conditions before race time.

Vauban boasts an impressive record on wet tracks, with six victories and four placings from 12 outings. Despite facing a strong field including renowned traveler Dubai Honour and last year’s winner Arapaho, he is expected to handle the challenge well.

“There is nowhere to hide on Saturday,” Bott said.

“He’s done really well in between runs and seems fantastic within himself. Hopefully there is some nice improvement to come.”

Stablemate Format also steps out at Rosehill in the Tulloch Stakes (2000m).

The well-bred three-year-old, sired by Frankel out of Group 1 winner Nechita, delivered an eye-catching 4-1/2 length victory at Kembla Grange last start. However, he now faces a 400m distance reduction.

“That is probably the difficult thing for him, coming back to the 2000 metres on Saturday,” Bott said.

“That’s going to be the only query, but he is obviously on a Derby path.”

Over the last four decades, nine horses have successfully claimed the Tulloch Stakes-Australian Derby double, most recently achieved by Quick Thinker in 2020.