RACING has been shocked by the news that Epsom Derby hero Auguste Rodin will remain in training at four.
The globe-trotting superstar was last seen winning the Breeders' Cup Turf in California earlier this month.
And now the tantalising prospect of him being aimed at the Breeders' Cup Classic on dirt is a very real one.
Legenday trainer Aidan O'Brien confirmed the son of superstar Japanese horse Deep Impact will race next year.
He told the Racing Post: "The lads have decided to keep Auguste Rodin in training.
"We're very much looking forward to having him racing again next year and it's hugely exciting really."
Auguste Rodin is owned by the all-conquering group of ex-Man Utd owner John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith and German billionaire Georg von Opel.
The three-year-old colt has won more than £4million on the track already.
And he was nailed on to bring in tens of millions at stud as one of the most sought-after stallions on the planet.
Especially as he is from the final crop of offspring produced by multiple Group 1-winning monster Deep Impact.
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But his owners want one more shot at the big ones – including the Classic – and feel he's better off running than in the mating shed.
Bookies were quick to react to the news and Paddy Power made him 20-1 to win next year's Arc.
While Coral make him 16-1 to win next season's Classic behind 8-1 fav and this year's hero White Abarrio.
Coral's David Stevens said: "It's exciting news for racing fans that Auguste Rodin will be staying in training next year with a tilt at the Breeders' Cup Classic one long term potential target.
"At this very early stage, he's now replaced his stablemate City Of Troy as the shortest priced Ballydoyle runner in our betting."
While Betfair went 50-1 for the Arc and Turf, 8-1 to defend the Turf and just 3-1 for the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot.
But their traders aren't buying him running the Classic.
Barry Orr said: "Aidan O’Brien, quite mischievously, mentioned the Breeders' Cup Classic as a race which Auguste Rodin could have taken in such was his liking for the dirt surface in America.
"He may well get his chance now, but our traders think it highly unlikely, and offer him at 25-1 to win that race."
The move is a gamble because should the unthinkable happen and Auguste Rodin flop at four, his stud value will plummet.
There is also always the risk of running and injury.
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It's why so many top horses retire at three having run in the Classics.
But 'the lads' – O'Brien's term for Magnier, Smith, Tabor and Von Open – have spoke… and they rarely get it wrong.
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