It looks set to be an overseas raider at the top of the market for this year's Melbourne Cup, with standout French galloper Vauban coming into the race among the favourites.
The five-year gelding has performed admirably overseas under the guidance of trainer Willie Mullins, taking out seven wins from 14 career starts, with a large majority coming in hurdle events.
Last year's winner Gold Trip and the Chris Waller-trained Soulcombe are also near the top of betting, but it will be the imposing import on the tip of everyone's tongues heading into the 3200m race at Flemington.
The Sporting News has all the details and career history of Vauban below.
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Who is the Melbourne Cup favourite?
Heading into the race, the horse at the top of the market is overseas raider Vauban, who is rated ahead of the likes of Gold Trip and Without A Fight for the big race.
How many races has Vauban won? Full career record, stats
Foaled in 2018 in France, Vauban is sired by the stallion Galiway out of the dam Waldfest, the current Melbourne Cup favourite moved to Ireland to link up with trainer Willie Mullins and has become a successful runner for the stable.
In 14 career starts to date, Vauban has won seven races and placed in a further four starts, with a large portion of them coming in hurdle events in the 3000-metre range, amassing $718,639 in career prize money to date.
| Date | Venue (Distance) | Result |
| 18th Apr. 2021 | Longchamp (2100m) | 4th |
| 17th May 2021 | Chantilly (2400m) | 4th |
| 27th Jun. 2021 | Lyon-Parilly (2200m) | 1st |
| 19th Jul. 2021 | Vichy (2400m) | 1st |
| 31st Dec. 2021 | Punchestown (3127m) | 2nd |
| 5th Feb. 2022 | Leopardstown (3219m) | 1st |
| 18th Mar. 2022 | Cheltenham (3382m) | 1st |
| 30th Apr. 2022 | Punchestown (3219m) | 1st |
| 29th Dec. 2022 | Leopardstown (3219m) | 2nd |
| 5th Feb. 2023 | Leopardstown (3219m) | 3rd |
| 14th Mar. 2023 | Cheltenham (3298m) | 4th |
| 28th Apr. 2023 | Punchestown (3218m) | 2nd |
| 20th Jun. 2023 | Ascot (2816m) | 1st |
| 7th Aug. 2023 | Naas (2414m) | 1st |
Has Vauban raced in Australia before?
Vauban has not raced in Australia prior to his start in the Melbourne Cup, with all of his previous 14 career starts coming in Ireland, England and France.
How old is Melbourne Cup favourite Vauban?
This year's Melbourne Cup betting favourite Vauban is a five-year-old gelding.
Who trains Melbourne Cup favourite Vauban?
This year's Melbourne Cup favourite Vauban is trained by Willie Mullins, who will also have stablemate Absurde in the big race.