Willie Mullins’ two Melbourne Cup runners Vauban and Absurde have landed in Australia and will be placed in quarantine at Werribee.

The Melbourne Cup dream is alive for connections of Vauban after his win at Royal Ascot.

High-class hurdler Vauban showed his class and versatility when a runaway winner of the concluding Copper Horse Handicap on day one of Royal Ascot leaving connections purring at a tilt down under.

The 2m4f Class 2 Ascot Stakes (5:00) is traditionally dominated by National Hunt trainers with Willie Mullins claiming four victories since 2012. It is a competitive event alongside the 1m6f Class 2 Copper Horse Handicap (6:10).

A comfortable success for Fujaira Prince in the 14-furlong Copper Horse Handicap at Royal Ascot.