He did pull it out of the Breeders though!!

SG - Workforce has run poorly on fast ground subsequent to his obliteration of that Derby field. That would be a concern obviously. But taking him out of the Arc altogether would be a bit excessive.

One other thing: I believe that horses with a rounded action suited to easy underfoot conditions are always able to produce one blistering performance on fast ground, but it leaves such a hard mark on them, that they are reluctant to really let themselves down on it ever again. Now I don't know if everyone else would agree with that but it's just a pattern I've noticed over time. I'm not saying Workforce won't win but when I'm analysing his chances, I am worried about the likely fast ground for him.

So they went as far as flying the horse and staff out to Churchill Downs at great expense for a end of season jolly then

My apoligies Zilzal I forgot they actually flew the horse out, might actually have had some intention of running but hardly broke the bank of Khalid Abdullah, looking at the horse that won Dangerous Midge Workforce would have beaten that  horse on a crutch.

Both Harbinger's King George and this year's Eclipse were run in times a nice bit faster than standard even though, a small number of runners lined up in both races. I would suggest that the going may have been quicker than what it was officially described. Although in fairness, Workforce's best run this year was the Eclipse and there was no shame in going down by a length to a horse as good as So You Think over a trip that was short of WF's best.

Also I am not saying the Epsom Derby left it's mark on Workforce. But as a generalisation, I find 1 run on fast ground by a horse with an action suitable to easier conditions, is enough to ensure they can never repeat that 1 run. I would not say this assertion is absolute but it's enough to make me think twice.

Workforce is one horse I would definitely not leave out of Arc calculations but I would be very concerned about the prospect of running on fast ground. As would his trainer it seems. So it's foolish to dismiss the idea that it will be a problem.

BHA
Fears that Workforce could miss the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp on Sunday because of fast ground have been calmed after connections walked the track.

Sir Michael Stoute's four-year-old will attempt to become the first horse since Alleged (1977-78) to win back-to-back renewals of Europe's premier all-aged middle-distance race.

He will have former champion jockey Ryan Moore on board after a timely recovery from a broken bone in his hand suffered at Glorious Goodwood, and Teddy Grimthorpe, racing manager to owner Khalid Abdullah, believes that is a massive bonus.

At the draw, Workforce was handed stall eight, the same gate he won from 12 months ago.

Grimthorpe said: "I hope it's as lucky as last year - he's fared better (in the draw) than some of the other fancied runners. We walked the track this morning and it is on the easy side of good. They put 10 millimetres on, so from that point of view we are fairly happy.

"Depending on what the weather does they will consider putting more on and review the situation on Saturday night, and I'm hopeful of a happy outcome.

"It's great to have Ryan back, for all the best reasons. He knows him, he's the only one to have ridden him, he knows what to expect. The horse is in very good shape, Sir Michael is very happy with him. There have not been many dual Arc winners and we've got a bit of work to do to join them."

Ed Dunlop is not overjoyed with Snow Fairy's draw in stall 11, but he believes she has plenty going for her as she seeks to add Europe's most prestigious prize to her two Classics and her victories in major events in Japan and Hong Kong.

"We're not in one to eight, but neither are So You Think or Sarafina, so that's what has happened. With her I don't think it's as essential as a horse who needs to be close to the pace. We've got what we've got, so we'll make the most of it," said the trainer.

"I think she's adaptable trip-wise. We never really envisaged the ground would be suitable enough for her to run in the Arc, even though we put her in, so Mrs Patino (owner) is very excited. We're under no illusions that it's going to be very tough, but she deserves to be there."