Workforce Triumphant at Sandown

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.