Kevin Stott eager for King Of Steel to renew rivalry with Auguste Rodin in King George

Kevin Stott has full faith in King Of Steel ahead of his Auguste Rodin rematch but is mindful that the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes is far from a two-horse race.

The Roger Varian-trained colt was second under Stott in last month's Derby, finishing half a length behind Auguste Rodin at 66-1.

The grey, who is a strapping son of Wootton Bassett, looked the winner at the two-furlong pole but was eventually collared by the Aidan O’Brien-trained challenger.

Auguste Rodin went on the win the Irish Derby with a rather more laboured performance, whereas King Of Steel was imperious at the Royal meeting when cruising to a three-and-a-half-length win in the King Edward VII Stakes.

As a result the rematch is much anticipated, but the two rivals are not the only big names in a stellar line up for Saturday’s Group One held at Ascot.

Last year’s hero and subsequent Hardwicke Stakes winner Pyledriver will line up, as will 2022 Derby victor Desert Crown – who is set to be ridden by William Buick – and his Brigadier Gerard conqueror Hukum.

Much of the conversation revolves around the clash between this year’s Derby one-two and though Stott is hopeful he can reverse the form, he is still holds great respect for the other contenders.

"It’s probably the Flat race of the season so far, you’ve got all the best horses in there – proven ones and upcoming ones," he said.

"If it’s a 12- or 15-runner field then it’s going to be really, really exciting. There’s not long left now, he did a nice piece of work this morning and it’s all systems go.

"It’s by no means a two-horse race. There are some very high quality horses in there and especially if we are going to have ease in the ground, there are a lot of horses with very good form on slower