Japan Cup Auguste Rodin in great form, O'Brien says 24.11.2024

Aiming for his seventh G1 win, Irish horse Auguste Rodan, a son of Deep Impact, ran alone on the turf course at Tokyo Racecourse. He covered the seven furlongs in 98.3 seconds at a walk and the final furlong in 13.2 seconds. He showed off a majestic stride and was in top form. "The horse looked very comfortable and relaxed. The rider felt good and he's in great shape. He's been working out hard in his home country. He has a big stride and I think Tokyo is a good fit for him," said trainer Aidan O'Brien, who was visiting Japan for the first time. After the race, it was decided to hold the first retirement ceremony for a foreign-trained horse. With his seventh G1 win, Rodan is poised to finish on a high note.

Strong field loading

The Japanese have become a major player over the last few years.

Not sure if Forever Young is running?. 

Auguste Rodin 8/1
Blow The Horn
Cervinia 3/1
Danon Beluga
Do Deuce
Durezza
Fantastic Moon 8/1
Goliath 8/1
Justin Palace
Karate
Pradaria
Shin Emperor 20/1
Sol Oriens
Stars On Earth
Struve

These are the runners that are listed

 
midweek weights

Barrier draw

Some data from Japan Cup 1981 to 2024

1991 Muis Roberts road Terimon finshed 12th
1995 Muis Roberts road Lando. Won the race
1999 Doug Whyte road Indeginous. Finished 2nd
1999 Muis Roberts road Fruits of Love Finished 9th
2000 Muis Roberts road Fruits of Love Finished 12th
2001 Weichong Marwing road Indeginous. Finished 7th

Comments after 22 November morning gallops:

Auguste Rodin (IRE)
- jogged 3 laps left-handed on the dirt exercise track around the international stables, jogged 1/2 lap, cantered 1 lap left-handed, jogged 1/2 lap right-handed on dirt course
(exercised from 6:50 to 7:09, ridden by Rachel Richardson)

“He did a steady canter for a mile this morning, he’s relaxed, cooled down in the barn and everything went well—we’re very happy with him.
Regarding the draw, Ryan and I are going to discuss it after breakfast this morning. I think it’s okay, we wanted six or seven, but I think eight is a nice draw.
He’ll do a mile again tomorrow morning and the last four furlongs to the winning post will be a little quicker.”

(comments taken from Aidan O’Brien)

“He’s settled in really well after the travel, he’s very relaxed, very comfortable and training well. I’ve been riding him since he was a yearling and has been with him in all of his overseas stints. He’s been an incredible horse from the beginning, he just runs effortlessly and can handle all kinds of surfaces. Many horses lose weight after they travel but Auguste Rodin is eating good and we’re very happy with him.”

(comments taken from Rachel Richardson)

Race at 8.40 our time and AUGUSTA RODIN is 10/1 

Sorry delay was trying to get race in English 

Superb run from fav Auguste disappointed