Vauban will try to move on from his Melbourne Cup setback and prepare for his return to Royal Ascot for the Boodles Yorkshire Cup on Friday.
Prior to showcasing his abilities at Pattern level in the Group Three Ballyroan Stakes at Leopardstown last year, Willie Mullins’ elite hurdler destroyed his competitors in the Copper Horse Handicap at the summer showcase meeting.
Three months later, the six-year-old owned by Rich Ricci was sent out as the favourite to win Australia's biggest race, but Ryan Moore exhausted him early in the home straight, and he finished a well-beaten 14th.
After being granted enough time to recover from his international journey, Vauban makes a reappearance in the Group Three feature on the third day of the Dante Festival. Patrick, the trainer's son and assistant, is optimistic that his son will establish himself as a true Gold Cup contender on the Knavesmire.
“Vauban had a nice break after going to Australia, he’s in good shape and hopefully he’s ready to start another Flat campaign,” said Mullins. “Melbourne didn’t happen for him last year unfortunately, but he’s ready to start back, probably on the road to Ascot and maybe a crack at the Gold Cup. This looks an ideal place to start, it’s a very competitive race and there’s a few of them that look quite closely matched. We’re hoping for a good run and we think it will bring him forward.”
William Buick will be joining Vauban, as Moore has pledged to team up with Tower of London in support of Aidan O'Brien.
The four-year-old has had a successful winter overseas, winning the Dubai Gold Cup at Meydan and the Red Sea Turf Handicap in Riyadh.
Moore told Betfair: “I always thought a lot of him at three but he is really blossoming now. He shaped very much like a Group One-winning stayer in waiting when winning at Meydan last time, so I’d hope and expect he will be going close here, even under his 3lb penalty. It’s a tough Group Two, and he will need to progress again to win this, but this is an exciting horse for the season.”