Exciting clash looms as stablemates meet in 2025 Kingston Town Stakes

Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott will saddle two contrasting stayers in the Kingston Town Stakes at Randwick with Vauban bringing proven Group 1 credentials and Elamaz stepping into carnival company for the first time.

Vauban, a dual Group 1 placegetter, has been quick to make his presence felt in Australia, winning a Group 3 in the autumn before chasing home Dubai Honour in the Group 1 Tancred Stakes (2400m). He resumed this spring with a tough third in the Chelmsford Stakes (1600m), showing sharpness over a trip short of his best.

“He was sharper than I expected over the mile and the 2000 metres is much better for him,” Bott said.

“It’s a distance we’ve seen him effective over last preparation. He looks to have trained on well and he goes there in good order.”

Elamaz, a French import, has raced just once for Tulloch Lodge but made an immediate impression with a commanding Listed McKell Cup (2000m) victory in June. He resumes after two trials and remains unbeaten in Australia.

“Elamaz, we’re continuing to learn more about him but he was excellent at his first and only start here in Australia,” Bott said.

“He’s got to take another step up from winter stakes company through to the carnival stakes races here but he seems to be improving nicely.

“His trials are good so we will learn a bit more on Saturday about what his path and future look like for the preparation.”

Tim Clark sticks with Vauban while James McDonald partners Elamaz, giving Tulloch Lodge a powerful hand in the Randwick feature.

“Vauban is proven and has got the class at this stage,” Bott said.

“He’s had the benefit of having had the run and a bit more conditioning but Elamaz is still a lovely horse for us going forward.”

Bettors keen to support the Tulloch Lodge runners in the Kingston Town Stakes can find markets available on Australia’s top betting sites.