Vauban back in Australia for Melbourne Cup redemption as jockey plans are confirmed for Willie Mullins contenders

The Willie Mullins team believe they have unfinished business in the Lexus Melbourne Cup after Vauban and Absurde arrived in Australia for another crack at the country's most famous race.

Vauban was sent off the 9-2 favourite at Flemington last year but could finish only 14th and while Absurde fared better in seventh, he was still five and a half lengths behind the winner Without A Fight.

The sense of regret still simmers as the pair settled into the familiar surroundings at Werribee, having travelled over with Jan Brueghel and Kinesiology.

Speaking to racing.com, Mullins' assistant David Casey said: "We were very keen to come back with both horses. Absurde ran really well in seventh and had been on the pace when everything involved came from way off the pace, so on the day we got the tactics wrong with both horses.

"We felt we left something behind with Vauban as well and he didn't give his true running. His owners Rich and Susannah Ricci were very keen to come back and have another go and we think he's better than he showed last year. Hopefully we'll be proved right."

Vauban was ridden by Ryan Moore last year, but William Buick is set to continue his association with the six-year-old having been on board for his last two starts when winning the Lonsdale Cup at York and finishing second to star stayer Kyprios in the Irish St Leger.

Vauban, who has arrived in Australia later this time, is the 7-1 second favourite for the Melbourne Cup on November 5, behind unbeaten St Leger winner Jan Brueghel at 6-1.

Kerrin McEvoy has got the call for 14-1 third favourite Absurde, who was partnered by Zac Purton last year.

"They seemed to travel very well, they've been here before and know what it's like," said Casey.

"Since they've arrived in Werribee they've been very good. Vauban has put back on everything he lost and the other guy has put on most of it. They've done a bit of a hack and a canter and we're delighted with them.

"We went a different route last year with Vauban because he had to qualify and he did that after Ascot in Naas and then we wanted to make sure we were able to get him here.

"With Absurde, we were originally thinking of coming for the Caulfield Cup [on Saturday] but when we shelved that plan after winning at Chester, we decided to go straight in."

Lexus Melbourne Cup (4.00 Flemington, November 5)
Paddy Power: 6 Jan Brueghel, 7 Vauban, 9 Warmonger, 12 Absurde, Circle Of Fire, 16 bar

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