Vauban is currently $9.50.

Emma Coleman, who works with the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott stable, has revealed that Vauban is looking incredible ahead of the Group 1 Metropolitan (2400m) on Saturday.

Vauban was formerly trained in Ireland by Willie Mullins, before making the move to Australia earlier this year.

The import has started as the favourite in the past two Melbourne Cups yet failed to live up to expectations.

Despite the past disappointment around the horse, Coleman is confident that Waterhouse and Bott have the gelding in winning shape for the Metropolitan – especially from gate 7.

“I had one job to do yesterday and that was to draw his barrier,” Coleman told SENTrack & RSN’s Giddy Up.

“So, when I got barrier 7, I could actually take a breath.

“He’s my favourite horse in the stable. He’s absolutely thriving that horse.

“Fingers crossed he will win The Metrop, but from our point of view he looks the best he has all prep.

“He is absolutely glowing. He’s a very happen horse at present.

“Tim Clark galloped him yesterday and he could not have been happier with his last piece of work heading into Saturday.

“I think it’s a winnable race for him from that barrier, so from our side of things it’s all roads to The Metrop on Saturday.

“If we could get a Group 1 with him on Saturday it would be pretty amazing.”

Gareth Hall also revealed that friend of the show, Dean Evans from Winning Edge Investments, has a minor share in the import.

According to Hall, Evans was critical of Clark’s ride on Vauban in the Group 3 Kingston Town Stakes (2000m), where he finished sixth.

With more luck, Evans believes Vauban will only improve in The Metropolitan.

“Our friend Dean Evans has a share in Vauban,” Hall said.

“He was a little critical of the ride from Timmy Clark (in the Kingston Town). He couldn’t work out why Clark was in that spot on such a hot speed.

“So, he reckons he will improve out of sight if he can get a better ride.

“Dean reckons it was a complete forgive run for Vauban.”

Vauban is currently $9.50 (on Sportsbet) for the Group 1 Metropolitan.

Odds correct when published on October 1 at 1:30pm

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