Aidan O’Brien expresses his delight with Auguste Rodin’s performance
Dual Derby Hero Auguste Rodin Chasing Fifth King George Victory
Auguste Rodin, the dual Derby hero, is among the four runners selected by Aidan O’Brien as he aims for a fifth triumph in the prestigious King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes on Saturday.
O’Brien’s Ballydoyle stable has a rich history in this race, with Galileo being the last horse to achieve this feat 22 years ago. Since then, Dylan Thomas and Duke of Marmalade secured consecutive wins in 2007 and 2008 respectively. Highland Reel added to O’Brien’s accolades in 2016, making it clear that O’Brien knows how to produce middle-distance stars.
After disappointing as a favorite in the 2000 Guineas earlier this year, Auguste Rodin redeemed himself by winning successive Classic races over a mile and a half -the same distance as the King George Stakes. However, both victories were achieved on fast ground conditions. With an easier surface forecasted for this weekend’s race at Ascot Racecourse, O’Brien hopes that underfoot conditions won’t deteriorate further.
“We’re very pleased with Auguste Rodin’s performance so far,” stated O’Brien confidently. “He thrives on better ground conditions; therefore we wouldn’t want it any worse come race day.”
Auguste Rodin will be joined by three other talented stablemates: Luxembourg, Point Lonsdale, and Bolshoi Ballet. While the latter two are considered long shots by bookmakers, Luxembourg shouldn’t be underestimated. The horse has already proven his worth with impressive victories in the Irish Champion Stakes and Tattersalls Gold Cup at Group One level.
Despite finishing seventh in last year’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe over a mile and a half, O’Brien doesn’t view the longer trip as an issue for Luxembourg. “He’ll thrive on a mile and a half; he’s fit and ready,” O’Brien added confidently.
Ryan Moore, who has previously won this race twice aboard Conduit (2009) and Highland Reel, has unsurprisingly chosen to ride Auguste Rodin out of the four O’Brien contenders. However, he acknowledges that all four horses have their merits in what is expected to be an exceptionally competitive renewal of the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes.
“This is undoubtedly one of the most challenging editions of the King George we’ve seen in recent years,” said Moore. “Each horse entered has genuine potential for victory – even those considered outsiders like Bolshoi Ballet and Point Lonsdale, who both hold significant wins at Grade One and Group Two levels respectively.”
Moore continued expressing his confidence: “We believe Auguste Rodin is among the top contenders due to his recent Derby triumphs. Despite some criticism surrounding his victory at Curragh last time out, I firmly believe any Classic win should be celebrated regardless of how it unfolds – especially when you defeat such strong competition like Adelaide River.”