Get Ready for the Derby! Insiders Share Their Take on the Upcoming Race

Sport News: Auguste Rodin leads Betfred Derby trio

Aidan O’Brien is set to unleash his Betfred Derby trio at Epsom on Saturday, led by the highly-anticipated comeback of Auguste Rodin. The three-year-old horse’s pedigree matches its name – a “collector’s item” bred from Rhododendron and Deep Impact. After winning last year’s KPMG Champions Juvenile Stakes at Leopardstown and the Vertem Futurity Trophy at Doncaster, he was well-fancied for this year’s 2000 Guineas after a Triple Crown bid was mentioned in early spring dispatches. However, things did not go according to plan as he finished 12th following a troubled run.

Despite disappointing performances, trainer Aidan O’Brien never doubted Auguste Rodin’s abilities and believes that it will be different over the longer distance. He explained that “Auguste Rodin was never going to run again over a mile anyway…very much has middle-distance pedigree.” O’Brien added that good ground conditions would also be beneficial as “he’s very unique and rare…bred like that looks like that moves like that.” Auguste Rodin will face stiff competition from other Ballydoyle stablemates including Chester Vase runner-up Adelaide on race day.

While there may have been some uncertainty surrounding the horse during training leading up to the event, none of it appears evident in its impressive performance come race day. The audience eagerly awaits whether or not this ‘collector’s item’ can deliver on its promise of being one of the most exciting prospects seen in years.