Stoute pleased with Workforce gallop

Workforce and Ryan Moore made their first semi-public appearance together since July in a racecourse gallop at Sandown which left connections satisfied ahead of a far more important date just a week and a half away.

Moore has only just returned to riding on the gallops after breaking his thumb and humerus in a fall at Glorious Goodwood.

He was back in the plate on Workforce but is not likely to be in competitive action on too many occasions before the four-year-old's attempt to retain the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe on 2 October.

Trainer Michael Stoute took his colt to Esher on exactly this day a year ago when he had even more questions to answer, having tarnished a scintillating Derby victory with a very laboured performance in the King George.

Workforce's performance in Ascot's big race was better this time around and an excuse emerged for his defeat to Nathaniel.

He had returned to Stoute's stable sore after reportedly being struck into by the ill-fated Rewilding.

The King's Best colt had a good look at Sandown and the ongoing preparations for a classic car auction as he was walked around the paddock with his work companions Confront and Dux Scholar for about an hour before Stoute emerged to conduct his gallop at just before 9am.

Confront set off at a good pace from the nine-furlong pole with Moore in second until he moved to the front with a couple of furlongs remaining.

The former champion jockey pushed his mount out with hands and heels to finish about two lengths ahead of the Group Three-placed Dux Scholar, who looked in particularly rude health.

"That was a nice, strong piece of work on lovely ground. I'm satisfied with that," said Stoute.

"Dux Scholar kept him honest and he's a little bit fitter than Workforce at home."

Asked if his charge was in about the same shape as last year, the trainer replied: "I hope so - there's not long left.

"He was stiff behind for a few weeks (after the King George) but he's moving well and seems in good shape.

"We didn't want him to have a hard race in a trial, so we chose a racecourse gallop instead of a race.

"He hasn't got too much to do, there are only 12 days to go."

Regarding Moore's potential return, Stoute said: "We haven't got him back yet, but we've missed him and that was good to see."

Like his boss, Moore reveals most of his thoughts to those closest to him, but he seemed positive about his wellbeing, as well as that of the horse.

"He seemed very well in himself and went about his work fine, I was very happy with him," he said.

The 28-year-old received positive news from a specialist about his injury at the start of the week and revealed: "Physically I'm in very good shape. The movement's not 100% yet but it's getting there.

"It's going very well. Many people have helped along the way and it's been quite hard going.

"I will probably have a couple of rides before (the Arc), but I'm not sure exactly. Rest is important and I don't want to be riding too much before."

Many will be wondering where Dux Scholar, last seen when second in the Winter Hill Stakes at Windsor, might turn up next.

Teddy Grimthorpe, racing manager to owner Prince Khalid Abdullah, said: "We're cogitating a bit, but we'll look for a nine or 10 furlong race somewhere."