Check out the latest Vauban odds to see what could be next for the Willie Mullins star after his Melbourne Cup flop on Tuesday. The five-year-old is fancied to win a race at Royal Ascot again next year, according to betting experts at SportsLens.
- Vauban priced at 7/2 to make winning return to Royal Ascot in 2024.
- The Willie Mullins-trained gelding is a current outsider for next year’s Melbourne Cup at 20/1
- Bigger price of 25/1 to win any race at Cheltenham Festival next March
- 8/1 to be retired after Melbourne Cup flop at Flemington Park
Vauban Odds
To happen in 2024
- Win any Royal Ascot Race @ 7/2
- Win any Cheltenham Festival Race @ 25/1
- Win Melbourne Gold Cup 2024 @ 20/1
- Win Red Sea Turf Handicap @ 7/1
- Win Dubai Gold Cup @ 16/1
- Retire @ 8/1
It’s fair to say that Vauban didn’t live up to the hype in his Melbourne Cup 14th on Tuesday. The Rich Ricci-owned horse hit the front at the top of the home straight, but quickly weakened with trainer Mullins saying the run was “very disappointing”.
After picking up two impressive wins over the summer at both Royal Ascot and Naas, there was high expectations going into “The Race That Stops a Nation” at Flemington Park on Tuesday.
Being a star hurdler before moving back to the flat, returning to that same discipline could certainly be an option for connections to consider.
However, owner Rich Ricci was speaking after the Melbourne Cup defeat and seemed keen on his horse sticking to flat races saying: “he won’t go back over hurdles”. It certainly wouldn’t be a surprise to see Vauban go for the race again in 2024.
There’s plenty of options for the multiple Grade One winner over hurdles, but more racing on the flat looks to be in store next year.
Neil Roarty, Betting Expert at SportsLens, said: “Vauban was well fancied for the Melbourne Cup after his success in the Copper Horse Handicap at Royal Ascot and easy win in the Group 3 Ballyroan Stakes at Naas, but it wasn’t to be on the day.
“Rich Ricci pointed towards a return to Ascot next June, and this can set him up for another go at the Melbourne Cup next year. Going back to the royal meeting could see him defend his Copper Horse Handicap title.
“There’s also a lot of action in the Middle East over the winter and with the illustrious prize money on offer, connections may see an opportunity there for the taking in contests such as the Red Sea Turf Handicap or the Dubai Gold Cup.“
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