'See it to believe it' - Aidan O'Brien mesmerised by Japanese racing as Auguste Rodin impresses ahead of Cup bid

Aidan O'Brien spoke of his awe of Japan and its racing as excitement builds for Auguste Rodin's history-making Japan Cup bid at Tokyo on Sunday after an impressive piece of work on Thursday.

The 2023 Derby winner finished well clear of his 73-rated stablemate Hypnosis when clocking a decent time on Thursday morning.

It fuels hopes he can give O'Brien a breakthrough in Japan with sons Joseph and Donnacha and Coolmore's MV Magnier and Paul Smith set to be in attendance for the final run of the six-time Group 1 winner's career.

Connections will also attend a post-race retirement ceremony, organised by the Japan Racing Association, when the son of local hero and 2006 Japan Cup winner Deep Impact will become the first foreign-trained horse to be celebrated in that manner.

O'Brien, who has had six unplaced runners in the Japan Cup, said: "We're very happy with him and he's travelled well. He did seven furlongs on the grass and looked comfortable and relaxed well. He's in great shape. I walked the track and it's perfect, I'd call it good to firm ground. So far everything's gone smoothly.

"We've tried to win this race before but no horse we've sent here has been as good as Auguste Rodin."

The Ballydoyle trainer also drew inspiration from a visit to Miho Training Centre on Wednesday. It is one of two training bases in Japan, with over 2,300 horses stabled and facilities including a variety of track surfaces, a swimming pool and uphill gallop. Sectional data for all horses workouts is also taken and made available to view.

Aidan O'Brien: "In comparison to the rest of the world it's a very special country"Credit: Masakazu Takahashi

"We were at the [Miho] training facility on Wednesday and the facilities, the vastness of it is incredible," O'Brien added. "The Japanese people are so detailed, humble and respectful. You don't see it like it anywhere and the way everybody works together in a very selfless way is very different.

"You have to come and see it to believe it and in comparison to the rest of the world it's a very special country."

Auguste Rodin, who will be ridden by Ryan Moore, was drawn nine of 14 on Thursday.

William Buick will also feature in the Japan Cup having picked up the ride on local runner Durezza, who was last seen finishing fifth in the Juddmonte International. The Godolphin jockey has been granted a short-term licence by the Japan Racing Association lasting until December 1.

Japan Cup (6.40am Tokyo, Sunday)

Coral: 3 Cervinia, Do Deuce, 5 Goliath, 11-2 Auguste Rodin, 8 Justin Palace, 16 Shin Emperor, 20 Fantastic Moon, Stars On Earth, 25 Blow The Horn, Durezza, Sol Oriens, 33 Danon Beluga, 50 Struve, 200 Karate

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