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| Staff Writer |
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Trainer Aidan O'Brien has hinted that the impressive Dual Derby winner, Auguste Rodin, may bypass other races and head straight to the prestigious Breeders' Cup Turf in Santa Anita, USA, scheduled for November.
The talented 3YO colt showcased his exceptional form, bouncing back from a disappointing run, to claim victory in the highly acclaimed Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown last weekend.
O'Brien said, "Auguste Rodin has come out of Leopardstown very well. It's very possible he will go straight to America. He loves a pace and he follows a pace very easy. When he gets to the front he doesn't do much, but that's the way he's always been.
"I think the Breeders' Cup would suit him. All he wants is a good pace in front of him, and you usually get that in America on fast ground."
The experienced and successful six-time winner emerged triumphant in the Irish Champion Stakes, outshining his stablemate Luxembourg. This victory came after a disappointing performance in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot, where he finished last amongst the ten contenders. However, he quickly bounced back from this setback.
Auguste Rodin, trained by Aidan O'Brien, is currently priced between 3-1 and 5-1 to secure O'Brien his seventh Breeders' Cup Turf victory. This would mark O'Brien's first win in the prestigious race since Highland Reel triumphed in 2016, ridden by Seamie Heffernan.
O'Brien provided an update on Kyprios, a four-time Group 1 winner. Kyprios recently returned to the track after being off for over 11 months and finished second to Eldar Eldarov in the Irish St Leger at the Curragh.
O'Brien said of the son of Galileo "He came out of his race very well. He's moving better now, even though we were very happy with his action and how he was going into it. He's definitely going the right way.
"You'd probably have to think about Ascot, as Arc weekend might come too quick."