Murphy excited for a chance to face White Birch again in Auguste Rodin rematch
Table of Contents
ToggleWhite Birch Connections Aim for Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Redemption
The connections of White Birch are gearing up for the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby next Sunday, hoping that their horse can get redemption against Auguste Rodin. With a possible Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe bid in sight, trainer John Murphy is excited to see how his colt performs at the Curragh.
The Group Three Ballysax Stakes winner started his Classic campaign strongly before finishing second in York’s Dante Stakes and then competing in Epsom’s Betfred Derby. Despite being slow out of the gate, White Birch managed to make up ground under Colin Keane and finished just behind Auguste Rodin and King Of Steel.
Murphy is eager to take on Aidan O’Brien-trained Derby winner again and believes that they have a good chance at winning this time around as well. “He is in great shape,” said the County Cork-based handler. “I think we fancy our chances. He’s going the right way, definitely.”
A Possible Shot at Prix De L’arc De Triomphe?
Owened by Chantal Regalado-Gonzalez, White Birch has shown plenty of potential throughout his career so far despite some bad luck along the way.
If all goes well during Ireland’s premier classic race on June 27th , Murphy may consider taking him over to ParisLongchamp in October for another shot at glory – specifically targeting Prix De L’arc De Triomphe!
Bigger And Better Things In The Future For This Colt
“He could do with winning a big one,” says Murphy about White Birch’s prospects going forward “It would just completely turn around our profile maybe.”
Looking ahead to the future, Murphy believes that White Birch will only continue to improve with age due to his physique. “He is a big horse, he’s getting stronger. I’ve not any doubt he will improve.”
White Birch is also in the running for Champion Stakes and if all goes well at Irish Derby next Sunday, connections may consider taking him over to ParisLongchamp for another shot at glory – specifically targeting Prix De L’arc De Triomphe!