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| Sumita Pawar |
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Michael Tabor, co-owner of Auguste Rodin, has expressed his belief that the dual Derby champion should focus on a drop to 10 furlongs, as he is being targeted for the upcoming Juddmonte International race and potentially the Breeders' Cup Classic later in the season.
O'Brien's Milestone Win With Rodin
Last Sunday, Auguste Rodin, a unique offspring of the late Japanese champion Deep Impact, achieved trainer Aidan O'Brien's 100th European Classic triumph by outperforming stablemate Adelaide River in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby.
Tabor, who is a co-owner of the horse alongside John and Susan Magnier, Derrick Smith, and Georg von Opel's Westerberg racing operation, agrees that although some spectators were not overly impressed by the colt's recent win with a margin of one and a half lengths, he holds the same opinion.
He said, “I do think it is fair that people say he was only workmanlike. It wasn’t the fastest pace in the world, which didn’t suit him and when he hits the front, he only just does enough.
“I think and hope you’ll see a lot better horse when he runs next, let’s put it that way.
“Only time will tell, but people are right when they look at it, they were not impressed and that was the way it was.”
According to Michael Tabor, co-owner of Auguste Rodin, the dual Derby champion should consider a drop to 10 furlongs for his upcoming races, including the Juddmonte International and potentially the Breeders' Cup Classic.
Tabor believes that the colt's recent win in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby was not overly impressive, and that he will perform better in his next race. Tabor acknowledges that some spectators were not impressed with the colt's performance, but hopes to see a stronger showing in the future.
He added, “He could go down in trip if it presents itself, but at the moment, if you go forward, what is he going to run in? If you do go down in trip, what race would he run in?
“The Juddmonte International would obviously be on the agenda. The Breeders’ Cup Classic is a shot to nothing — that’s a tough one — but certainly the Juddmonte is high on the agenda.
“It’s a difficult call, but how long is it between the King George and the Juddmonte? It is about three and a half weeks (25 days). It’s enough time (for both races), I should think.
“Aidan knows what to do with the horses, but I would think that is a distinct possibility.