AUGUSTE RODIN lived up to the hype with a smooth victory in the Vertem Futurity Trophy Stakes at Doncaster on Saturday.
The Deep Impact colt was a Group Two winner last time when landing the Juvenile Stakes at Leopardstown and comfortably made the step up to Group One level.
Partnered by Ryan Moore, the son of another Group One-winner Rhododendron was in a trio of runners on the stands, side rail and breezed into the lead to defeat Epictetus.
Auguste Rodin had been odds on in the week but drifted significantly on the day, returning the 9-4 favourite. "He's a lovely horse, he always was," O'Brien said. "The lads always loved him and he's one of the last by Deep Impact.
“We knew it wasn't his ground but we thought the experience wouldn't hurt him. He's one to really look forward to next season. He's a great mover, he has everything you look for."
Already favourite for the Derby prior to his Doncaster success, Auguste Rodin was shortened to 3-1 (from 7s) for the Epsom Classic by Betfair Sportsbook and Paddy Power. "I would imagine he'd be trained for the Classics. He's a very exciting horse as he'll be very happy going up in trip," O'Brien added.
Epictetus was three and a half lengths back in second, while Holloway Boy drifted to the stands' side but stayed on to finish third.
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