Royal Ascot. There is simply nothing like it on the racing calendar and for Auguste Rodin, it could be his chance to shine once more.
After one of the coolest and dampest springs in recent memory, the course remains largely dry and with little rain in the forecast, the ground looks set to be fairly fast.
If the weather plays ball, after a run of seven months’ absence from the winners’ enclosure, Auguste Rodin looks in prime position for the Prince of Wales’s Stakes.
Royal debut
Making his first trip not only to Ascot but the Royal Meeting, Auguste Rodin will be breaking ground this week.
But that is not to say he will be ill at ease. Likely, far from it.
Aidan O’Brien may have lost one of his big stable names in Paddington to retirement, but Auguste Rodin can cushion the blow in Berkshire.
If Auguste rides in to victory, it will be his sixth Grade 1 win.
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.
With the ground almost his ideal condition this week, the pieces appear to be lining up for a return to winning ways on UK turf.
Birch absence
Auguste Rodin is the market favourite for the Prince of Wales, and his task has been made a little easier by the withdrawal of White Birch.
Not declared for Wednesday’s contest, JJ Murphy’s entry had won the last three and beat Auguste Rodin last time out in the Tattersalls Gold Cup.
With White Birch absent, the mare Inspiral looks to be closest in the betting, and she also recorded a victory at the Breeders’ Cup last November.
“Inspiral needed the run today, she was carrying condition”
John Gosden spoke to @mcyeeehaaa about Inspiral after the Lockinge Stakes yesterday 🔙 pic.twitter.com/k2Zn3BJmoU
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) May 19, 2024
Taking the Filly and Mare Turf, the 5yo of John and Thady Gosden has won three of the last four, having been runner-up in last year’s Queen Anne.
The year prior however, she won the Coronation Stakes. Inspiral can take it to Auguste.
Meanwhile, after fluffing her own lines in the Nassau Stakes, French raider Blue Rose Cen will be hoping for better favour, but again, there are questions as to whether the filly will like the faster ground.
The Prince of Wales’s Stakes takes place on Wednesday at 4:25pm.
