Vauban is aiming to kick off the autumn carnival just like he did last time – by taking the Sky High Stakes at Rosehill.

Co-trainer Adrian Bott revealed that the team decided to stick with the identical plan from 12 months earlier, covering at least his opening pair of outings.

“It’s the race he won twelve months ago, so we tried to do a similar prep for him,” Bott said.

“He is well placed, and he seems in good shape.”

Vauban claimed the Sky High Stakes (2000m) 12 months ago prior to ending up third to Dubai Honour and Duke De Sessa in the Group 1 Tancred Stakes (2400m).

Those pair of events remain part of the schedule, and down the track, a Brisbane winter carnival effort could be considered.

“Last year we went to the Tancred, which he was a touch unlucky in. If he resumes as well as he did last year, all things being equal we will look at that race again,” Bott said.

“If not, there are other targets we can look at.

“He’s not confirmed for a Sydney Cup path this time through, we might just keep him at that 2000, 2400 and then potentially look at some options in Queensland as well.”

Vauban has been idle since a sixth placing in the Melbourne Cup, yet he has completed three trials to build a strong base for his comeback.

Although spring Cups pursuits can wear heavily on gallopers, Bott notes Vauban has recovered strongly.

“It’s amazing. He has thrived off the back of it,” he said.

“He has just looked tremendous this campaign, so hopefully that’s a good indication.”

The stable also enters Just Fine in the Sky High and Bott anticipates a sharper performance following his midfield finish in the Parramatta Cup (2000m), where he was defeated by three lengths.

That marked his initial appearance in 10 months, and he has impressed in subsequent training.

“He’d had a while off the scene so he will be better for that run,” Bott said.

“He finished alongside Campaldino the other day, who then came out and won well.

“I was really pleased with him going into that run, and I still have been.”

Tulloch Lodge represents one of just two stables in the Sky High Stakes, with Chris Waller preparing the remaining seven contenders.

Explore the online bookmakers for Sky High Stakes betting markets featuring Vauban.