Aidan O'Brien would not be surprised if Auguste Rodin has greater authority over his latest set of Derby opponents.
The Epsom hero gallops for glory in Ireland's version tomorrow at the Curragh, a race his yard has taken on 14 occasions.
Auguste Rodin fulfilled his big reputation with an impressive half-length Classic defeat of King Of Steel, advertiser of the form at Royal Ascot. O'Brien, who scooped seven straight renewals of the Irish Derby between 2006 and 2012, has high hopes for the impeccably-bred colt.
"There's every chance," he told Racing TV, when asked if Auguste Rodin could better his Epsom performance, on his second run at the distance.
"We were feeling our way at Epsom and until you do it, you're never sure, but we thought he was very comfortable. It's good that the form looks to stand up."
Epsom third White Birch, who made late ground after a slow start and the fourth, Sprewell, aim to reverse placings. But if it is upheld by the hot favourite, O'Brien will celebrate his 100th Classic triumph in Europe.
British hopes of a winner in an event of such standing are carried by If Not Now.
Ralph Beckett has sent the grey stayer over to contest the Deutsches Derby at Hamburg, with Hector Crouch in the saddle. The Hampshire handler has targeted the German-bred colt at the race, which has 20 runners for its 154th running.
"If Not Now has travelled over very well and I'm happy with him, he has a good draw," said Beckett, whose filly Electrelane struck in the 2012 German 1,000 Guineas.
"He will have learned a lot from his last run and it's a big day for Hector, an integral part of the team."
Rab Havlin prepared Frankie Dettori's Ascot Gold Cup winner Courage Mon Ami – and he has a shot at Group One glory with local hope Skylo.
