Japan Cup: Auguste Rodin, Goliath aim to recapture glory for internationals

If Auguste Rodin can put an exclamation point on his glittering career in Sunday’s $7 million Japan Cup (G1), the Aidan O’Brien trainee would furnish two major storylines.

Although he would be the first international shipper to win Tokyo’s signature race since 2005, Auguste Rodin has strong local ties himself as a son of all-time Japanese great Deep Impact. Thus a victory by the Irish-bred colt would be a crowning touch for the legacy of Deep Impact, who began the home team’s Japan Cup-winning streak in 2006.

But Auguste Rodin isn’t the only threat to Japanese dominance. French-based Goliath boasts the highest rating in the field thanks to his King George VI & Queen Elizabeth (G1) romp, leaving Auguste Rodin behind in fifth. Nor can German invader Fantastic Moon be dismissed, as he should get his optimal conditions – a fast-run affair on firm turf – in his swan song.

Leading the home defense are multiple Group 1 star Do Deuce, who comes off a blistering rally in the Tenno Sho Autumn (G1), and dual classic-winning sophomore filly Cervinia.

You can watch and wager on Tokyo’s Sunday program on TwinSpires.com, with the Japan Cup scheduled as the 12th race at 1:40 a.m. ET.

Auguste Rodin’s last hurrah

From Deep Impact’s final crop, Auguste Rodin added to his sire’s extraordinary resume by winning major events at two, three, and four. After turning the Epsom/Irish Derby (G1) double, he defeated older horses in last fall’s Irish Champion (G1) and Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1).

The Coolmore brain trust could well have retired him on that high note but opted to keep him in training in 2024. While Auguste Rodin’s four-year-old campaign hasn’t been as stellar, he once again excelled on his preferred quick surface in Royal Ascot’s Prince of Wales’s (G1). Auguste Rodin was most recently a close second in his title defense in the Irish Champion, where he came up a neck shy of highly-regarded three-year-old Economics. Checking in third was Japan’s Shin Emperor.

In lieu of another trip to the Breeders’ Cup, Auguste Rodin set his sights on the Japan Cup, in hopes of saluting his late, great sire in his final start. He’s drawn in post 8 with regular pilot Ryan Moore.