Former European star Vauban will make his first appearance for trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott at Rosehill, with the Group One Tancred Stakes as his goal.

A former hurdler, Vauban raced in the last two Melbourne Cups under trainer Willie Mullins before being acquired by Australian Bloodstock and Waterhouse and Bott.

The horse has had a gradual buildup to his new stable, with two barrier trials and an exhibition gallop at Warwick Farm to prepare for his return.

“We wanted to get him out for race day experience before the real races,” said Bott after the hitout.

“He had a positive outing, and we aimed to have him forward enough for the 2000m first-up.”

Vauban performed well in the 1400m trial, finishing just behind stablemate and 2023 Metropolitan winner Just Fine.

Both horses will begin their campaigns at Rosehill, with Vauban running in the Sky High Stakes (2000m) and Just Fine in the Ajax Stakes (1500m).

Vauban’s last race was in last year’s Melbourne Cup, where he finished mid-field.

Bott confirmed the Tancred Stakes (2400m) on March 29 is Vauban’s key goal this autumn, though he also holds nominations for the Doncaster Mile (1600m), Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m), and Sydney Cup (3200m).