Workforce fired up for Blanco rematch

Connections of Epsom Derby hero Workforce say they are relishing the prospect of a rematch with Sunday's Irish Derby winner Cape Blanco in the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot next month.

The Sir Michael Stoute-trained Workforce was beaten by Cape Blanco in York's Dante Stakes before sauntering to victory in the Epsom Classic, while Aidan O'Brien's charge flopped in the 10-furlong French Derby 24 hours later.

Stepping up to a mile and a half, Cape Blanco restored his reputation at the Curragh and the verbal sparring has begun ahead of a second clash.

Lord Grimthorpe, racing manager to owner Prince Khalid Abdulla, said: "Workforce is on course for the King George and we're glad that Cape Blanco franked the Dante form in Ireland. We're looking forward to taking him on again.

"Workforce was having only the second run of his life in the Dante and it was a steep learning curve.

"But you saw what he did at Epsom. Michael is pleased with the way he has progressed since and we hope the circumstances will be different taking Cape Blanco on over a mile and a half."