Trainer Willie Mullins Eyes Melbourne Cup Success with Favorite Horse Vauban

Vauban, carrying 55kg and guided by 2014 winner jockey Ryan Moore, considered as Mullins' strongest chance to break 20-year-long Melbourne Cup drought.

• Trainer Willie Mullins has a strong chance of breaking a 20-year Melbourne Cup drought with favorite horse Vauban, a six-year-old gelding that has won key races including the Copper Horse Handicap and the Ballyroan Stakes.
• Vauban, ridden by Ryan Moore, who won the Melbourne Cup in 2014, is carrying 55kg, 3.5kg less than the top weight, and has drawn a favorable barrier (3), increasing his chances of victory.
• Despite favorites having a history of disappointment on Cup day with the last favorite winning ten years ago, Mullins remains unfazed and confident about Vauban's prospects.
• While Mullins's main hope rests on Vauban, he also has another runner in the 24-strong field, Absurde, who was the distant runner-up to Vauban at Royal Ascot and is considered a 9/1 chance.
• Other key competitors in the race include last year's winner Gold Trip, who despite carrying the top weight of 58.5kg and facing a more difficult race, is third favorite in betting and is aiming to become the first back-to-back champion since Makybe Diva from 2003-05.

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Reuters CNA South China Morning Post