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AMO Racing’s owner Kia Joorabchian admits he is certainly very tempted by a potential rematch with Epsom Derby conqueror Auguste Rodin in the King George Stakes at Ascot later this month.
The lightly-raced son of Wootton Bassett produced a heroic effort in defeat on just his third career start when runner-up in the Epsom Derby and proved the effort to be no fluke when getting back to winning ways with an authoritative three-and-a-half-length victory in the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot last month.
King Of Steel has been set for a tilt at the Grand Prix de Paris at Longchamp on Bastille Day and although connections are by far from ruling it out, it seems a rematch on home soil could be on the cards for the gigantic grey.
Speaking on Nick Luck's Daily Podcast, Kia Joorabchian said: "I spoke with Roger [Varian] yesterday morning and he's very happy with him. He said he's in very very good shape and very good form."
"He feels that we're still on target for the Grand Prix but obviously if Auguste [Rodin] goes to the King George then it makes it a very tempting possible diversion to go and take them on again."
"It's Ascot, which is a track that is very dear to me, and I love having races there. So, that definitely has a huge advantage and it's at home. It's on home soil so I think there are a lot of things to think about."
"I'm all about sport and there's nothing like having exciting moments in sports, right? You always want to see the best versus the best and I'd love to have a rematch with him [Auguste Rodin]."
When asked about how King Of Steel had come out of Royal Ascot and the difficulties he faced in the way the race was run to suit in the King George Stakes, he added: "At Royal Ascot, they were going a very very slow pace. A couple of the jockeys told me they were crawling around, and he showed his talent and his capabilities by being able to cruise through and show his turn of foot. He showed he has that incredible talent."
Regarding potential Autumn plans, Kia added: "I think we have to have a final target. Whether it's the Breeders Cup or the Arc. I think we'll aim between those two and work backwards and probably find one more run for him. I'd love to see him run over ten [furlongs]. I think over 1m2f he's even better."
King Of Steel is a 6/1 chance with Paddy Power for the King George Stakes at the end of the month while Epsom conqueror Auguste Rodin heads the market at 9/4 following his Irish Derby success.