Workforce scythes down Poet on Sandown return

Report: Sandown, Thursday

Piper Heidsieck Champagne Brigadier Gerard Stakes (Group 3) 1m2f, 4yo+

WORKFORCE confirmed himself in rude health when scything down the front-running Poet in the Brigadier Gerard to register victory on his first start as a four-year-old.

Switching to the stands' side rail, jockey Ryan Moore had to get after last year's Investec Derbyand Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner as 16-1 chance Poet proved game out in front.

Despite giving his rivals 7lb and reported to be in need of a run, Workforce, sent off the even-money favourite, had too much class over a trip slightly shorter than ideal and won by a cosy length, with a further 11 lengths back to Jan Vermeer in third.

William Hill trimmed Workforce to 9-4 (from 5-2) for the King George and 4-1 (from 9-2) for a second Arc success.

Moore said: "He never felt like he'd get beaten at any stage. It turned into a bit of a tactical race as we were going a stride slower than we should.

"He's not been asked much at home and I've hardly had to ask much of him tonight."

Teddy Grimthorpe, racing manager to winning owner Khalid Abdullah, added: "I would think the main aim is the Arc but we'd have to plan how we'll get there.

"He's shown he has the speed for a mile and a quarter so the Eclipse is an option and the Prince Of Wales's is not ruled out yet."

On the back of Grimthorpe's comments,sponsors Coral went 9-4 joint favourite (from 6) with So You Think.

Poet and jockey Adam Kirby cut out the early running, pulling seven lengths clear in theearly stages. Turning for home, the pair were still well clear and while Kirby set for home a long way out, Moore cruised into contention on Workforce, having sat in midfield early, some ten lengths off the pace.

As the field tried toeat into Poet's runaway lead, it was noticeable Moore was travelling better than anything.

Kirby appeared to get the fractions spot on in front and with nothing else getting close to the eventual runner-up, Workforce's performance, giving away weight in the rain-soaked ground, was all the more impressive.