Arrest and White Birch set for rematch with Auguste Rodin in Irish Derby

Aidan O'Brien celebrated his ninth Epsom Derby victory this weekend, as Auguste Rodin ran out an impressive winner. Ryan Moore's mount travelled powerfully throughout, chased down King Of Steel and pulled a length clear of Roger Varian's runner on the uphill climb to the line.

In the immediate aftermath of that Epsom Classic, Aidan O'Brien said that his colt would probably head onto the Irish Derby, as Auguste Rodin "hadn't had a hard race (at Epsom) as the early pace was very steady". On Monday, Ireland's Champion Trainer re-enforced those sentiments, claiming it was "very possible" that his star three-year-old would attempt to complete a Derby could on the first Sunday of next month.

Roger Varian was fairly lukewarm on the prospect of King Of Steel heading over to the Curragh next month. In contrast, connections of both White Birch and Arrest have stated that the Irish Derby is very much the next target.

John Murphy was understandably delighted with White Birch's effort at Epsom. Colin Keane was forced to bide his time at the rear after a tricky draw in stall two. White Birch made up plenty of ground late on, passing the majority of the field to finish a never-nearer third.

"It was a relief." Murphy told the Irish Examiner. "We were absolutely delighted. He came home safe and sound, not a bother on him."

"He's progressive. Every run seems to be better, so we hope that curve continues. He's in very good shape.

"The first plan is the Irish Derby and he will have loads of other entries in the meantime, but we will just play it by the horse."

"We have to take on the winner now. There's no hiding now - you have got to do it. Hopefully one of these good races will go his way. You never know."

In Frankie Dettori's final Derby, Arrest was backed into an exceptionally short price. Dettori's mount has relished soft ground when winning at Chester, but Arrest looked all at sea on quicker going at Epsom, labouring to a distant tenth-place finish.

“We took Arrest to the gallops morning at Epsom where he breezed nicely on a part of the track when it was soft, but he found it a bit different going around there at racing pace on Saturday when it was good to firm." John Gosden explained to the Racing Post on Monday.

“I told everyone in the interviews after Soul Sister had won on Friday that ideally they could leave the taps on for ten hours overnight to help his chances. They still made him favourite because of the Frankie factor and will have made plenty out of it. The horse has come of the race in fine form and we will point towards Ireland.”

"He had a leg in every county (at Epsom) and will be much better suited to a more conventional track like the Curragh.”

Auguste Rodin is the odds-on favourite to claim his second Classic victory of the season in the Irish Derby. White Birch is a general 10/1 shot, with Arrest a little further adrift at 12/1.