Saturday’s Betfred Derby will gain most of the attention at Epsom this weekend, however, Friday’s Coronation Cup might just steal the show.
The fifth British Champions Series contest of the season, Emily Upjohn is favourite to defend her crown, but Luxembourg and Time Lock will have other ideas.
However, as a champion returns to the Downs, Auguste Rodin might just be eyeing an upset.
Off the radar
If we take a glance at the markets for the Coronation Cup, it seems not only the bookies but the punters have forgotten how good Auguste Rodin can be.
Yes, his first two runs of the season may have been less than impressive, but his runner-up finish behind White Birch in the Tattersalls Gold Cup only last weekend was a huge improvement.
White Birch is mightily impressive to beat Auguste Rodin in the Tattersalls Gold Cup under an excellent ride from Colin Keane for the John Joseph Murphy stable! 🥇 pic.twitter.com/IY0Wjv4VPl
— The Curragh Racecourse (@curraghrace) May 26, 2024
With just one outing on the Downs it is difficult to say whether the 4yo really likes Epsom or not, but memories of last June are sure to flood back.
Derby glory
In May 2023, it all went so wrong for Auguste Rodin.
A strong 13/8f for the 2000 Guineas, the son of Deep Impact never got to grips with the Rowley Mile, finishing a lowly 12th out of 14 runners.
As Chaldean and Frankie Dettori came home at 9/2 for a fitting Newmarket send-off, it was a setback.
Less than a month later however, Auguste rode in for Derby glory.
Hauling back King of Steel over the final furlongs, Auguste Rodin won a ninth Derby for his trainer and third for Ryan Moore.
Firmly consigning his doubters to the scrap heap, Irish Derby, Irish Champion Stakes and then Breeders’ Cup Turf spoils followed.
Pundits might point to this weekend’s ground not being firm or fast enough, but they should remember his two wins on tackier turf on his debut season.
Only rank outsider, Hans Andersen will fetch a longer price in this contest, but as 28/1 shots with SpreadEx go, names won’t come bigger.
Do not be surprised if Auguste Rodin pulls a rabbit from the hat.
Long punts
Auguste Rodin looks set to go off at some whack for the Coronation Cup, but he will be joined by a rampant White Birch.
Too strong for Rodin at the Curragh last Sunday, the 4yo of JJ Murphy came home third in last year’s Derby behind both the former and King of Steel.
An improved horse and clearly in form having won the last three, if White Birch gets a bit of extra rain before the weekend, Colin Keane could be in business at a baffling long price of 20/1 with Unibet.
The one other price angle, punters should take a look at Hamish.
Unbeaten in five, the 2022 Irish St. Leger runner-up – behind Kyprios only – has during that period won a Silver Cup, and also a Kings Plate at Glorious Goodwood last summer.
A short-price winner on most occasions, his price this Friday is significantly higher.
With no issues in regard to the projected ground though, if anything, should the going flip to good to soft, a 16/1 punt with BetUK might fare favourably.
The Coronation Cup takes place on Friday at Epsom, race time 3:10pm UK time.
