Adrian Bott eyes Sky High Stakes history repeat with Vauban
Vauban seeks to launch the autumn carnival in mirror image to his previous start – securing the Sky High Stakes at Rosehill.
Co-trainer Adrian Bott explained the decision to replicate the strategy from a year prior, at minimum for his initial two starts.
"It's the race he won twelve months ago, so we tried to do a similar prep for him," Bott said.
"He is well placed, and he seems in good shape."
Twelve months back, Vauban captured the Sky High Stakes (2000m) before placing third to Dubai Honour and Duke De Sessa in the Group 1 Tancred Stakes (2400m).
The duo of races are lined up once more, with a prospective Brisbane winter carnival venture in longer-range plans.
"Last year we went to the Tancred, which he was a touch unlucky in. If he resumes as well as he did last year, all things being equal we will look at that race again," Bott said.
"If not, there are other targets we can look at.
"He's not locked in for a Sydney Cup campaign this preparation, we might stick to 2000 and 2400 metres before eyeing Queensland possibilities."
Since his sixth in the Melbourne Cup, Vauban hasn't competed but has undergone three trials for a firm return platform.
Spring Cups marathons may drain horses, but Bott indicates Vauban has flourished post-campaign.
"It's amazing. He has thrived off the back of it," he said.
"He has just looked tremendous this campaign, so hopefully that's a good indication."
Tulloch Lodge also fields Just Fine in the Sky High, and Bott foresees improvement after his central placing in the Parramatta Cup (2000m), beaten by three lengths.
Returning after 10 months off, the gelding has shone in trackwork since.
"He'd had a while off the scene so he will be better for that run," Bott said.
"He finished alongside Campaldino the other day, who then came out and won well.
"I was really pleased with him going into that run, and I still have been."
Just two stables feature in the Sky High Stakes, Tulloch Lodge and Chris Waller with his seven horses.
Visit Australian betting sites to find racing odds for the Sky High Stakes.
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