Irish-trained Vauban heads into Tuesday's Melbourne Cup as favorite in Australia's 'race that stops a nation', but faces a looming threat from in-form Gold Trip who is targeting back-to-back wins.
Irish-trained Vauban heads into Tuesday's Melbourne Cup as favorite in Australia's "race that stops a nation", but faces a looming threat from in-form Gold Trip who is targeting back-to-back wins.
Held on the first Tuesday of November since 1876, the punishing 3,200 meter handicap at Flemington is regarded as the ultimate test of stamina and staying power. That shot the six-year-old gelding to the top of the markets, with its status reinforced by a comfortable win at Naas in Ireland. Master trainer Willie Mullins has come close to glory before, finishing second with Max Dynamite behind Prince of Penzance in 2015 and third to Rekindling two years later."I think he's as good as Max Dynamite, maybe better, but we'll find that out on Tuesday," he said.English jockey Ryan Moore, who won in 2014 aboard Protectionist, has been entrusted with the reins.
"The track's probably going to be a little bit firmer and he's got a little bit more weight. So he needs to be better to win, but I think he is," he said.Drawn alongside Vauban in barrier two, the seven-year-old is seeking to become the first back-to-back winner since the legendary Makybe Diva won three-in-a-row between 2003-2005.