Vauban © Photo Healy Racing
Willie Mullins expects improvement from Vauban when he lines up for the Group 2 Lonsdale Cup at York on Friday.
The six-year-old stayer was a beaten favourite in third in the Group 2 Curragh Cup last month.
On his sole previous visit to the Knavesmire, he was runner-up in the Group 2 Yorkshire Cup in May when partnered by William Buick.
Mullins said: "Vauban is confirmed for the Lonsdale. He is in good form and the chances are he will go there.
"He had a nice run in the Curragh, he'll have to improve but I'm expecting that.
"Hopefully, he'll be good enough to get in the placings there. It's a tough race, a hot race and a first three finish would be a good result."
Buick has been booked for the second time on Susannah Ricci's Galiway gelding.
Additional reporting by Donal Murphy
