Vauban faces race-day fitness test for Q22

Vauban is no certainty to take his place in Saturday’s $1.2 million Q22 at Eagle Farm after veterinarians detected lameness in a hind leg during pre-race inspections.

The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained gelding must satisfy stewards and veterinarians in a race-day examination before being cleared to start in the 2200m feature.

The eight-year-old was the $4.80 second favourite on Friday behind reigning Melbourne Cup winner Half Yours, who heads betting at $3.50.

Vauban enters the race off a third placing in the Group 1 Doomben Cup, where he finished behind Birdman and Pride Of Jenni.

Meanwhile, all 18 runners in the $3 million Stradbroke Handicap have been passed fit to race, although second emergency Payline will undergo a further examination after losing a plate.

Heavy rainfall has continued to impact Brisbane this week, with Eagle Farm receiving 43mm over the past seven days, but track manager Ross Smith remains optimistic conditions will improve ahead of Queensland’s premier race day.