The upcoming King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot promises a dazzling showdown, with Calandagan, Masquerade Ball and a Ballydoyle quartet taking centre stage in a live broadcast on Sky Sports Racing. This Group 1 contest has been refreshed with a field of nine elite runners, each bringing a compelling story and a strong record that heightens the anticipation for what could be one of the season's most memorable races. Calandagan, the defending champion, heads the entry list.
Trained by Francis-Henri Graffard, the bay colt was crowned the world’s top racehorse last season after a string of high‑profile victories. He opened his 2024 campaign with a triumph in the Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan, then suffered a setback on soft ground at Epsom before rebounding spectacularly to win the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud.
That victory marked his sixth top‑level success and confirmed his status as a world‑class performer under the guidance of jockey Mickael Barzalona. Calandagan’s blend of stamina, turn of foot and tactical versatility makes him the clear favorite, but the presence of several other high‑calibre contenders ensures the race will be anything but a foregone conclusion. Japan’s own Masquerade Ball arrives as the second‑most talked‑about runner.
The horse finished a head behind Calandagan in the Japan Cup in November and then secured a solid second place behind Romantic Warrior in a Hong Kong race over ten furlongs. The extra distance of the King George, run over a mile and a half, should suit Masquerade Ball, who has shown he can stay the trip when required. While some observers question his adaptability to Ascot’s unique undulating course, the Japanese connections are confident that he can break the long‑standing "King George hoodoo" that has plagued their horses for decades. A strong performance from Masquerine Ball would not only boost his own reputation but also signal a shift in the global balance of power in middle‑distance racing.
The field also includes Kalpana and Goliath, two horses whose recent Hardwicke placings suggest they are evenly matched and capable of challenging the front‑runners. Aidan O'Brien adds depth to the race with four entries, the most notable being Benvenuto Cellini. The Irish Derby winner made a convincing statement in his last start and now faces older, more experienced rivals for the first time.
The decision to pair him with Ryan Moore could prove decisive, as Moore’s tactical acumen and experience at the highest level may give Benvenuto Cellini the edge he needs to compete. Among the supporting races, the Moet & Chandon International Handicap at 2:55 p.m. features a field of 17, highlighted by Mezcala and Extremely Zain. Extremely Zain arrives unbeaten in three starts and appears to be on the cusp of Group class status after a dominant performance at York where he easily surpassed a rating of 93.
The handicapper has responded with an eight‑pound increase, and this is likely his final run under handicap conditions. He will start from stall eight under the reins of Tom Marquand, who steps in for Cieren Fallon. Additional storylines include: - Hollie Doyle’s Thunder Call, expected to make an impact in the Shergar Cup at Ascot, also televised live.
- Jamie Lynch’s five‑horse contingent, representing an international mix of talent, will contest the Shergar Cup later in the day. - Former Premier League striker Kevin Doyle is now a trainer, targeting Cheltenham Festival glory with his horses Augusta Kate and La Bague Au Roi. - A dramatic upset is possible as Kalpana may turn the tables on Calandagan in the main event, a scenario that would rewrite the narrative of the day. - Legendary jockey Ryan Moore has been honored with an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours, adding a touch of ceremony to his race‑day duties.
- Benvenuto Cellini leads O'Brien’s quartet in the Epsom Classic, underscoring the trainer’s dominance across multiple major festivals. In the sprint and middle‑distance categories, Jack Channon’s Mezcala, who claimed the Spring Mile earlier in the season and later secured the Buckingham Palace Stakes, will start from stall 13 with George Bass aboard. Completely Random, who narrowly missed out over six furlongs at Wokingham, looks poised to benefit from an added furlong and the expertise of Ryan Moore. Back In Black and Aalto round out a competitive shortlist for the Group 3 Valiant Stakes, with Aalto carrying a three‑pound advantage after a Bunbury Cup victory.
Amazing Journey steps up in distance after a dominant performance in a Class 3 handicap at Ascot, while Touleen drops in class and could surprise the field. Owen Burrows’ three‑year‑old, a fast‑finishing runner‑up in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot, will tackle older horses for the first time with William Buick replacing Saffie Osborne.
Rated seven pounds higher than her rivals, she could prove difficult to beat if she finds a clear run. Skydance, who previously defeated future Oaks winner Thundering On in a maiden at Leopardstown, remains a classy filly with only a brief layoff as a potential concern. Kon Tiki, after a career‑best fourth place behind Blue Bolt in the Duke of Cambridge Stakes, deserves respect in this grade.
Other notable entries include Sukanya and Esna, both rated as each‑way contenders, and a Group 3 Princess Margaret Japan Cup Stakes at 1:45 p.m., where Dark Issue and Alta Regina are among the betting favourites. Moonrise, who was unlucky in the Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot, could also be in contention under the guidance of Oisin Murphy and trainer Andrew Balding. The 4:45 p.m. Betfred Handicap will see Blue RC, Urban Lion and Crown Board line up, with Asmen Warrior also attracting interest for trainer James Owen.
Beyond Ascot, Chester will host the IRE Incentive It Pays To Buy Irish Maiden Stakes at 3:10 p.m., featuring Sea Idol as the top pick among six runners. The Wilson Family Handicap at 3:48 p.m. will showcase Postmodern, owned by the Wathnan family, as a strong contender for the Hamad Al Jehani.
Finally, Lingfield will feature a Godolphin entry from Charlie Appleby: Catching Dreams in the RJB Agri EBF Novice Stakes at 7:00 p.m. This promising colt could make an impressive debut for a stable that has been on a roll this season. Overall, the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot offers a rich tapestry of narratives, from the defending champion Calandagan seeking to confirm his dominance, to the Japanese hopeful Masquerade Ball aiming to break a historic barrier, to a host of supporting races that showcase the depth and diversity of the current flat racing landscape.
Fans can look forward to a day of high‑octane competition, strategic jockey moves, and the ever‑present possibility of an upset that will reverberate through the racing world.