Former Willie Mullins-trained stayer Vauban will make his Caulfield debut on Saturday as he embarks on his third Melbourne Spring Carnival campaign.

After heading straight into the Melbourne Cup (3200m) in his previous two visits, Vauban has taken a new path this spring under Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, with the Caulfield Cup (2400m) his lead-up to Flemington on November 4.

Since joining Australian Bloodstock, Waterhouse and Bott have focused on improving the gelding’s pre-race manners and barrier behaviour, and they believe he’s now settled and thriving.

“His coat is gleaming. He’s a very happy horse,” Waterhouse said. “Blake rode him the other day and was over the moon with him.”

Waterhouse said barrier 13 would give jockey Blake Shinn the freedom to find a good position, adding that Vauban has been unlucky in recent runs.

“He’s there to win but it will also set him up nicely for Flemington,” she said.