New O’Brien superstar is in Auguste company

By Marcus Townend

AIDAN O’BRIEN described Auguste Rodin as ‘a horse to get excited about’ after he powered through the heavy ground for a thumping win for the group one Vertem Futurity Trophy at Doncaster.

The Ryan Moore-ridden colt, who beat the John and Thady Gosden-trained Epictetus by three and a half lengths, is now 5/1 favourite for next year’s 2,000 Guineas and 3/1 for the Derby with Coral.

O’Brien was winning the race for a record 11th time. Previous wins came via some special horses such as High Chaparral, who won the Derby the following season, and

Camelot, who went on to land the 2,000

Guineas and Derby in 2012. And the

Ballydoyle trainer feels he has something special in Auguste Rodin.

O’Brien said: ‘We always felt he was very classy. Nobody had seen it on the track until now but we had to give him time to develop. He is a classically-bred big, rangy horse and we did not want to be doing too much too quickly with him.’

Auguste Rodin’s win nearly didn’t happen, with O’Brien admitting he had arrived at the track with the intention of pulling his colt out because of the heavy ground.

But it was decided he could take his chance, Moore feeling the ground was not as bad as the official description.

It was also decided Auguste Rodin and his stablemate Salt Lake City would race up the stands side of the Doncaster straight, away from the main body of the field, to ensure he was galloping on virgin rather than churned-up going.

Auguste Rodin’s sire was the outstanding Japanese champion Deep Impact, while he is the first foal of his dam Rhododendron, a three-time Group One winner.

John Gosden also expressed his satisfaction with Epictetus, who is likely to return in a 10-furlong Derby trial next May.