AUGUSTE RODIN can grab victory in the QIPCO 2,000 Guineas Stakes (British Champions Series) (Colts & Fillies) (4.50pm) at Newmarket on Saturday. While on Sunday back at Headquarters MEDITATE can bring up another Aidan O’Brien Classic double by landing the Group One QIPCO 1,000 Guineas Stakes (British Champions Series) (Fillies) (3.40pm).
The first Classic of the season can go to O’Brien’s Auguste Rodin who can triumph and set up a potential Triple Crown bid this season. The son of Deep Impact looked hugely impressive as a juvenile, winning three times from four starts. His final two-year-old success came in superb fashion as he landed the Vertem Futurity Trophy Stakes comfortably and shot to the head of the ante-post betting for the Derby at Epsom, with stamina on pedigree almost assured. He should stay at least the 1m4f of the Epsom Classic and could certainly stretch to the 1m6f of the St Leger in the autumn if he has already won the two Classics beforehand.
Possibly this first Classic bid will be his toughest assignment. But having already won at the mile and shown the requisite speed for the 2,000 Guineas as well, he is set for victory. Only a true miler with that slightly bit more speed – like stable-mate Little Big Bear, who was a stunning winner of the Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh last August before suffering an injury which kept him out for the season – is likely to deny Auguste Rodin a first Classic success at Headquarters. But he may just have too much class and score before setting up a mouth-watering campaign for his Coolmore owners and Ballydoyle maestro O’Brien.
