Vauban passed his latest test with flying colours in the Group 3 Ballyroan Stakes at Naas on Monday evening as all roads now lead to his Melbourne Cup bid.
The three-time Grade 1 winning hurdler created a big impression when taking the Copper Horse Handicap by seven and a half lengths at Royal Ascot last time and he proved the step up to group company to be no issue with a commanding success at Naas.
Willie Mullins' five-year-old needed to finish in the first three at Naas on Monday to secure his spot in the 'race that stops the nation' at Flemington in November and the son of Galiway did so in the best way possible.
The pace was set by Gooloogong and Pivotal Trigger with Vauban, who was ridden by Colin Keane for the first time, sat stalking the pair in third. The field began to turn for home and the eyes were immediately drawn to Vauban as he loomed up towards the outside of the field. Keane asked his mount to lengthen his stride entering the straight and the talented five-year-old soon found himself out in the clear as Valliant King set off in chase of the 4/6 market leader.
Joseph O'Brien's Royal Ascot runner-up continued to chase as the pair pulled clear of the rest of the field, but it was only in vain as Vauban kept the Qatar Racing-owned Valliant King at bay for a comfortable one-and-a-half-length victory.
Peking Opera finished six lengths behind the winner in third.
Mullins' assistant trainer David Casey told Racing TV: "We're delighted with him, and Colin was happy. He said they went a good gallop, a nice even pace, and it suited him,"
"It ticked a box, which we were here for today, to get placed to qualify for the Melbourne Cup.
"I think there is plenty of improvement in him. He had a little break after Ascot and was ready to start back today.
"Everything was right today, there was a bit of ease in the ground and there weren't many runners, so it suited to come today. We're obviously delighted with what he did."
Although a trip to Melbourne looks almost certain to be on the cards, Vauban does hold a whole host of entries between now and then including the Lonsdale Cup at York, Comer Group International Irish St Leger Trial Stakes and Irish St Leger.
Casey added: "He's in all those races but I don't know whether he'll have another run or not or go straight there. Willie will decide that.
"All those races are options, the Leger Trial and the Leger. I don't know what he's going to do but he's entered in them all if he needs them."
Paddy Power cut Vauban from 7/1 to 6/1 for success down under while the same firm also trimmed the Rich Ricci-owned runner to 3/1 for Lonsdale Cup victory on the Knavesmire next month.
