Saturday at the Breeders’ Cup: Noteworthy Statements

Auguste Rodin Aims for Breeders’ Cup Turf Glory

Trainer Aidan O’Brien has had his sights set on the prestigious Breeders’ Cup Turf all year for his talented contender, Auguste Rodin. The colt’s impressive victories in the Derby at Epsom, the Irish equivalent, and the Irish Champion Stakes have only added to his allure.

Auguste Rodin boasts an exceptional pedigree as a son of Japanese champion Deep Impact and out of Rhododendron, a three-time Group One-winning mare who is also a sister to the brilliant Minding. With such breeding credentials, he was always considered a potential top performer.

Although there were setbacks earlier in the season with disappointing performances in both the 2000 Guineas and the King George at Ascot, O’Brien believes he has resolved those issues and everything is now in place for another strong showing.

The Race of Destiny – Mostahdaf’s Final Chapter

In an attempt to sign off his career on a high note before retiring to stud duties, John Gosden’s five-year-old star Mostahdaf aims to replicate Enable’s success by claiming victory at this year’s Breeders’ Cup Turf.

Mostahdaf arrives at Santa Anita full of confidence after recent triumphs in both Prince of Wales’s Stakes and Juddmonte International over ten furlongs. However, stepping up an extra quarter of a mile poses a new challenge for this talented gelding.

Despite the competition stiffening, Gosden remains optimistic about Mostahdaf’s chances. The French horse Onesto should not be underestimated in what promises to be a thrilling mile-and-a-half turf race.

The Quick Turnaround – King Of Steel Seeks Another Triumph

Roger Varian’s King Of Steel aims to build on his recent Champion Stakes victory at Ascot as he takes on the challenge of the Breeders’ Cup Turf with jockey Frankie Dettori.

Although only two weeks have passed since their last triumph, Varian is delighted with how his colt has been performing both before and after arriving in California. The quick turnaround presents an opportunity for King Of Steel to shine once again.

Varian emphasizes that every horse is unique, but King Of Steel’s resilience and adaptability give him confidence in delivering another strong performance. Regardless of the outcome on Saturday, the experience gained from competing at Santa Anita will prove invaluable for future campaigns.