AIDAN O’BRIEN reckons next year’s Epsom Derby favourite is the most exciting horse his stable has EVER had.
Auguste Rodin came in for high praise from the Irish maestro after a mightily impressive win in the Vertem Futurity on Saturday.
That three-and-a-half length success came despite fears he wouldn’t run given the ground conditions.
A decision was made following the race previous, with jockey Ryan Moore happy that the surface wasn’t too heavy for the youngster.
After that ready win, he was quoted a general 4-1 price for next year’s Derby, with some firms going as short as 5-2.
But following O’Brien’s comments 24 hours later, it wouldn’t be much of a surprise to see that price shorten even further.
Auguste Rodin – son of Deep Impact and Rhododendron – was beaten on his Curragh debut before winning well at Naas next time out.
After a long break, he was sent to Leopardstown where he won well when needing the run before the Doncaster success this weekend.
O’Brien spoke after the race about the transformation in the horse in recent weeks.
He told Sky Sports Racing: “Since Leopardstown he’s been very good.
“We felt there was enough improvement had come and he was fit.
“It worked brilliantly when it doesn’t always work out.
“But he really is a horse to be a little bit excited about next year.”
But O’Brien – winner of 41 Classics in Britain – went further in his summation of Auguste Rodin 24 hours after his success.
He said: “The horse yesterday is probably the most exciting we’ve ever had, to do what he’s been doing.”
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