led, ridden and headed 2f out, weakened 1f out
held up in 4th, switched to outside and smooth headway to challenge over 2f out, driven to lead over 1f out, quickened clear approaching final furlong, impressive
held up in rear, driven over 2f out, soon ridden, chased leading pair over 1f out, kept on, no chance with winner
held up behind, driven and outpaced over 2f out, soon ridden, stayed on under pressure on outside final furlong, no impression
tracked leader, driven over 3f out, ridden to lead 2f out, headed over 1f out, kept on same pace, no chance with winner final furlong
tracked leader, driven over 3f out, ridden and effort over 2f out, lost place over 1f out, faded inside final furlong
WORKFORCE can confirm the impression he created when landing the Derby by beating stablemate Harbinger and reversing Dante form with Cape Blanco. Sir Michael Stoute has a powerful hand in this race and it must've been tough for Ryan Moore to choose Workforce over Harbinger, but we feel the decision will be vindicated. After winning on debut at Goodwood last term the colt returned in York's Group Two Dante and finished well beaten behind Cape Blanco, however the bit slipped through his mouth and connections suggested the run was best ignored. That proved to be the case as their charge put in one of the most impressive Derby winning performances in living memory at Epsom, breaking Lammtarra's 15-year-old track record in the process. Those concerned with the record of the classic generation in this race should note that very few have come here since Alamshar won in 2003 and instead focus on the fine record of favourites as the last six have all won. With Confront in the race to ensure a true gallop, we expect that record to be further enhanced. Harbinger isn't a horse to be taken lightly, arriving as he does on the back of an unbeaten 2010. This is the acid test but he's always been well-regarded and hasn't really been threatened this term, with the most impressive of his successes coming at Royal Ascot last time. He'll sit handy under Olivier Peslier and won't be an easy horse to pass. Cape Blanco is Aidan O'Brien's sole representative here and arrives on the back of a fine success in the Irish Derby. As a horse whose sole defeat came in the Prix du Jockey Club he's hard to rule out but our feeling is the three-year-olds at Ballydoyle might not be superstars this term, with St Nicholas Abbey the one carrying their hopes as the season started. Youmzain has finished second in an incredible seven Group One races so might be a spot of value for those searching for the forecast, however we feel he might find Daryakana reversing Saint-Cloud form this time. The French filly is unbeaten going this way round and could well run into a place at a rewarding price while Confront is here only to set the pace. This looks a very strong renewal of the King George, bringing together the English and Irish Derby winners, and we expect Epsom hero Workforce to gain his revenge and confirm himself as right out of the top drawer.
Confront 7-2 (9-5) Held up in 7th, ridden on outside over 2f out, no response, 7th of 10, 18l behind Stotsfold (9-11) at Sandown 1m 2f Listed stks (1) gf.
Harbinger 8-11fav (9-0) Held up in 6th, smooth headway on outside to track leader 4f out, 2nd going well over 2f out, led 2f out, soon in command, stayed on strongly, easily, won at Royal Ascot 1m 4f Grp 2 (1) gf in Jun beating Duncan (9-0) by 3 1/2l, 11 ran.
Youmzain (IRE) 4-1 (9-2) 2nd of 7, shd behind Plumania (8-12) at Saint-Cloud(FR) 1m 4f Grp 1 (1) gs in Jun.
Daryakana (FR) 5-4fav (8-12) 3rd of 7, hd behind Plumania (8-12) at Saint-Cloud(FR) 1m 4f Grp 1 (1) gs in Jun.
Cape Blanco (IRE) 7-2 (9-0) Tracked leaders, 4th 4f out, ridden in 2nd 2f out, led over 1f out, kept on well final furlong, won at Curragh 1m 4f 3yo Grp 1 (1) gf in Jun beating Midas Touch (9-0) by 1/2l, 10 ran.
Workforce 6-1 (9-0) Held up in mid-division, 5th straight, switched left to inside over 3f out, tracked clear leader 3f out, closed and edged left over 2f out, led over 1f out, soon clear, stayed on strongly, won at Epsom Downs 1m 4f 3yo Grp 1 (1) gf in Jun beating At First Sight (9-0) by 7l, 12 ran.
Dar Re Mi 7-2 (9-4) Narrow lead until halfway, tracked leader, pushed along and unable to quicken with winner 3f out, stayed in 2nd until just over 1f out, no extra in 4th inside final furlong, 4th of 5, 6l behind Twice Over (9-7) at Sandown 1m 2f Grp 1 (1) gf.
