Can the Melbourne Cup Favourite in 2023 Vauban Win?

Can the Melbourne Cup Favourite in 2023 Vauban Win?

The Irish are out in force in this year’s Group 1 $8.41 million Lexus Melbourne Cup (3200m) but can long-term favourite Vauban salute for the punters?

Ryan Moore rides the 2023 Melbourne Cup favourite Vauban on Tuesday. Photo: Steve Hart.

The classy chestnut has been dominating Melbourne Cup betting for months and will start favourite on Tuesday for the 163^rd edition of Australia’s most famous race.

Melbourne Cup history was made back in 1993 when the Dermot Weld-trained Irish raider Vintage Crop became the first champion from outside of Australia or New Zealand to win the world’s richest handicap.

Since then we have seen a number of others including a second for Weld with Media Puzzle in 2002 and two for fellow Irishman Joseph O’Brien with Rekindling (2017) and Twilight Payment (2020).

This year both O’Brien – despite withdrawing Valiant King on Friday evening – and Mullins saddle-up livewire chances in the 24-horse Melbourne Cup field but the bulk of the money and attention is on Vauban.

A brilliant stayer back in Europe both in flat and hurdle races the six-year-old son of Galiway makes his down under debut in the famous Flemington Race 7 on Tuesday.

His last official run was back in early August when he carried 61kg to a 1.5 length victory saluting as the odds-on pick with ease in a Group 3 over the mile and a half.

He impressed the onlookers, including rival trainer Mick Price, with a strong piece of work last week in his first trip to Flemington and now gets a chance to show exactly what he is capable of.

So, will Vauban live up to the hype and be crowned the 2023 Melbourne Cup winner?

Click here to bet on Vauban to win the Melbourne Cup 2023.

2023 Melbourne Cup Horse Form: #5 Vauban

Barrier: 3

Weight: 55kg

Jockey: Ryan Moore

Trainer: Willie Mullins (Co. Carlow (IRE))

Owner/s: Mrs S Ricci

Age: 6yo

Gender: Gelding

Breeding: by GALIWAY (GB) from WALDFEST (GB)

Career: 14-7:3:1

Win: 50%

Place: 78.57%

Last 10: 11x234211x

Prize Money: $788,178

Track: 0:0-0-0

Distance: (5:2-2-1)

Current 2021 Melbourne Cup Odds*: $3.20 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

Why Vauban Can Salute for the Melbourne Cup 2023 Punters

Looks well-weighted with 55kg having carted far more to victory last time out at home
Irish raiders have a strong recent record in the race
He hails from one of the premiere international stables
His first Flemington work last week was outstanding
A genuine two-mile star with an imposing strike-rate at the distance (5:2-2-1)
Consistent galloper boasting a 50% winning strike rate
Ridden by a former Melbourne Cup winning jockey in Ryan Moore who partnered the German stayer Protectionist to victory back in 2014
Passed compulsory vet check for internationals with flying colours
Came up trumps with barrier three
Has one of the best win and place rates in the field

Why Vauban Won’t Win the Melbourne Cup In 2023

Yet to win a Group 1 flat race with all three of his elite level wins being in hurdle events
Makybe Diva for her second in 2004 is the last horse to win the Melbourne Cup at odds of $3.50 or shorter
Needs to handle the pressure of favouritism and the race

*Note: 2023 Melbourne Cup odds are correct at time of publish, provided by Ladbrokes.com.au and subject to change without notice.

THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE?

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.