Kia Joorabchian says it is ‘very tempting’ to send King Of Steel to Ascot to take on Auguste Rodin

Kia Joorabchian admits it is ‘very tempting’ to send King Of Steel to the QIPCO King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot instead of an intended French engagement.

Runner-up to Auguste Rodin in the Epsom Derby last month, King Of Steel was an impressive winner of the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot and was thought to be heading to the Grand Prix de Paris next.

However, with Aidan O’Brien considering the Berkshire showpiece for the dual Derby hero, King Of Steel’s team are tempted to re-route there for a mouthwatering rematch.

The owner told Nick Luck Daily Podcast: ‘I spoke with Roger (Varian) and he’s very happy with him and says he’s in very, very good shape.

‘He feels we’re still on target for the Grand Prix de Paris but obviously if Auguste Rodin goes to the King George, it makes it very tempting to take them on again. 

King Of Steel could take on Auguste Rodin again after their battle at the Espom Derby

‘It’s Ascot which is a track that is very dear to me and I love having runners there. It has a huge advantage and is 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, you always want to see the best versus the best and I’d love a rematch with him (Auguste Rodin).’

Joorabchian says that he would love for King Of Steel to have a rematch with Auguste Rodin

Oisin MURPHY will replace the suspended Frankie Dettori on 2,000 Guineas winner Chaldean in Sunday’s Prix Jean Prat at Deauville.