Auguste Rodin, a son of Deep Impact, looks set to take flight on Japanese turf. On the morning of November 21, the Irish-bred colt breezed effortlessly on the dirt course at Tokyo Racecourse, quickening down the stretch to clock an impressive 6F in 1:20.9, with splits of 40.4 and 12.9 seconds, faster than his gallop on the turf the previous day. For trainer Aidan O'Brien, who has 400 flat G1 wins to his name, this was all part of the routine. "He did a mile canter as planned, and I couldn't be happier with how he's doing. His condition is absolutely perfect," he said with satisfaction.

With six G1 victories, including the English and Irish Derbies, Auguste Rodin is among the world's elite. His connections chose the G1 Japan Cup as his swan song. "Being a son of Deep Impact, it's been a dream of mine to race here. As his final race, there could be no better stage than the Japan Cup," O'Brien emphasized.

Auguste Rodin exhibits the same lightness and fluidity that earned his sire, Deep Impact, the description of "flying" by Yutaka Take. The colt's unique stride echoes his father's brilliance. "I always ask the jockeys what they feel, and they say, 'He's very special' or 'You can immediately sense the difference in his stride.' They describe it as gliding rather than galloping. It's quick, powerful, and seamless, giving the same extraordinary feeling Yutaka Take described with Deep Impact," O'Brien explained, marvelling at the inherited traits.

The Japan Racing Association has announced a retirement ceremony for Auguste Rodin after the race. "I am deeply grateful. It's clear how much the Japanese people admire Auguste Rodin and treasure Deep Impact. It's a source of pride and joy for me," O'Brien added.

Though he has previously sent six horses to the Japan Cup, this marks O'Brien's first trip to Japan. With the best horse he has ever brought to the race, the legendary trainer is here to win.