This looked a one-sided Irish Derby, dominated in the betting and in terms of form by Auguste Rodin, but he probably failed to run to the level he had shown in victory at Epsom in scoring in workmanlike style, and that makes it a substandard affair. It was run at quite a steady gallop (112.3% finishing speed is exaggerated by wind that was head on in the early stages and behind in the later ones) and few got into it, the sadly fatal injury suffered by San Antonio 4f out also inconveniencing others in the run. The ground was predominantly “good to firm” (at least) on a day of drying conditions.
AUGUSTE RODIN (114 here, 121 previously) is better judged on his Epsom victory, duly landing the odds here but workmanlike in doing so and rather flat compared to how he had been in The Derby proper. He tracked the pace before edging ahead over 2f out but failed to get away, even with his main rival by this stage not being asked for everything, ridden over 1f out and edging slightly right before finally asserting. Conditions were fast here, and he had to show some pace the way the race was run, but he looked more like a 12f than a 10f performer all told.
ADELAIDE RIVER (112 here, 105 previously) probably improved a good few lengths, not the first from this stable to do so despite having seemed fairly well exposed previously, and he should really have shaken up his winning stable-companion even more, setting the pace, narrowly headed over 2f out and only nudged along until ridden with 1f to go, slightly squeezed for room and unable to quicken. He is worth at least one go at confirming this form, though it may not be good enough to see him win at Group 1 level in any case.
COVENT GARDEN (108 here, 97 previously) ran his best race, blinkered again, though achieved little better than useful form in coming third in a substandard Classic, improving mid-race to be third turning in but outpaced and under pressure soon after before staying on. He seems likely to stay 14f.
PEKING OPERA (99 here and previously) ran creditably, beaten a similar margin by Auguste Rodin here as he had been by Gregory in the Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot, held up behind (not best placed as a result) before staying on late in the day.
UP AND UNDER (96 here, 107 previously) ran as if the trip might have been a shade far, even under these circumstances, held up and travelling well but finding little after 3f out.
SPREWELL (95 here, 113 previously) raced in fifth but was hampered 4f out and in trouble thereafter, seemingly not at his best on the day.
PROUD AND REGAL (93 here, 109 previously) weakened from prominence after being quite badly hampered 4f out, this trip possibly beyond him in any case.
WHITE BIRCH (84 here, 112 previously) had just come off the bit when hampered 4f out and produced nothing thereafter. He was ponied and went early to the start, getting away on terms, but may have a quirk or 2 to go with his smart ability.
