The highly rated Auguste Rodin enjoys the highest rating (125)  in the classy nine-event including the blue riband, the Dubai World Cup, framed on Super Saturday. And his Coolmore partners are more than happy to keep him on the circuit, aware that this classy performer competing in the Sheema classic is in rousing form and raring to go. After his victory in the Breeders' Cup many old hats in the game were of the view that the star performer after producing a series of top draw efforts would be retired taking into account, the commercial realities, but his sporting owners decided to provide him another fresh saddle to add to his illustrious list. Legendary trainer Aidan O'Brien briefing media after Auguste Rodin warmed the hearts of the Coolmore brigade, pointed out that it was a brave decision by the partners to keep him in training. It is crystal clear and it is needless to mention that the champion performer is a big stallion prospect, but the owners understand the value of his credentials, adjudged Ireland's Horse Of The Year last year by virtue of winning four major crowns in the Epsom and Irish Derbies and the Irish Champion Stakes before the Breeders Cup Turf. 

To add further, Auguste Rodin is from the last crop of the majestic Japanese stallion Deep Impact out of the Galileo mare Rhododendron. "He brings together the best of Japan and Europe-the two best continents-and it is fair to say he's one of the most exciting horses we have ever had," confirmed Aidan O'Brien. The Ballydoyle guru feels that his ward has matured well and more importantly travelled nice and easy. The US$6 million Sheema Class will be a good test taking into consideration that nine out of his 11 rivals are Group 1 winners and five of those are from Japan including the favourite in the event, Liberty Island. 

The Japanese superstar made the knowledgeable sit back and applaud her first preparatory effort on the Meydan trial track and the Japanese contingent, the biggest this year, 24 Japanese stars including the favourite in the Dubai World Cup, Ushba Tesoro, on parade in the nine-event card framed for the glittering night are delighted that Liberty Island is on top of her game. 

Yuga Kewada, who is listed to partner this good looking filly, pleased with her brilliant trial track performance revealed that the star performer was travelling first time out of Japan and that all has gone well so far and the classy filly is ready and willing to beat the big boys on the big night.