Australian racing queen Gai Waterhouse is hoping to win the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday for the second time with former Irish runner Vauban.

The iconic Sydney horse trainer, along with co-trainer Adrian Bott, took Vauban’s reins from Irish trainer Willie Mullins after Australian Bloodstock bought the former stayer last year.

The former Irish galloper would become the first horse since 1988 to pass the post in first place in a third attempt at the race that stops a nation.

Speaking to The Herald Sun , Waterhouse said Vauban had travelled to Flemington twice and has been the favourite on both occasions.

“He’s got the ability — it’s a matter of him putting his best foot forward,” she said.

“He’s a bit like the girl with a curl — you never know which side of the bed he’s going to get out o

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