The anticipation is building for the prestigious King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, and the latest edition of Weekend Winners saw Kate Tracey sit down with Declan Rix and Sam Boswell to dissect the field and gauge the odds. The Saturday showdown will feature nine contenders, headlined by last year’s champion Calandagan, who is back to try and retain his title after a hard‑fought victory over Kalpana in the previous running. Also in the mix is the Japanese import Masquerade Ball, a horse that narrowly missed out on the Japan Cup on home soil and now hopes to exact revenge on the Aga Khan’s runner.
Aidan O'Brien will bring a quartet of talent to the race, with Irish Derby winner Benvenuto Cellini and 2025 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe runner‑up Minnie Hauk among the stable’s top picks. Meanwhile, 2024 King George victor Goliath will be making a second attempt at the crown under the experienced hands of Christophe Soumillon. Rix offered a detailed assessment of the previous year’s contest, noting that the race had been set up to suit Calandagan’s strengths. "The 12‑furlong test on fast ground last time essentially turned into a 10‑furlong sprint for him, and Ballydoyle’s tactics didn’t play to his advantage," he explained.
"I’m not convinced the same conditions will repeat this year. If the pace is driven by Action and Lambourn, it could turn the race into a genuine stamina test for both Minnie Hauk and Benvenuto Cellini.
That could expose a weakness in Calandagan’s gear change if the pace is truly relentless from start to finish." Despite the tactical concerns, Rix still believes Calandagan remains the class of the field. "He’s older, stronger and has shown he can still perform at the highest level this season, even though his run at Epsom earlier in the year was a little disappointing," he said, adding a note of caution about over‑rating the horse. The conversation then shifted to the Japanese challenger.
"Masquerley Ball gave a massive effort when he traveled to the Japan Cup and ran in the opponent’s home territory," Rix observed. "Both Japanese runners looked fit at the Newmarket media day, and the trainer seemed genuinely excited about the trip. The track at Ascot is unknown for them, but they handled the journey well." When pressed about the betting market, Rix admitted his own odds had drifted.
"I was seeing 9/2 for Calandagan and thought 7/2 was the shortest I’d be comfortable with. The ground and track conditions are ideal for him, but if I can get 4/1 on Masquerade Ball I’ll take it," he said, indicating a willingness to back the Japanese horse if the price was right. Beyond the main contenders, the episode featured several side stories that illustrate the broader excitement surrounding the meeting. Hollie Doyle hinted that Thunder Call could play a pivotal role in the Shergar Cup at Ascot, while Jamie Lynch’s five‑horse contingent was highlighted as a group to watch in the international showdown.
Former Premier League striker Kevin Doyle, now a race‑owner, spoke about his quest for Cheltenham Festival glory with his horses Augusta Kate and La Bague Au Roi. The program also paid tribute to legendary jockey Ryan Moore, who was recently awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours, and previewed the upcoming Derby where Benvenuto Cellini will lead O’Brien’s four‑strong team at Epsom.
For fans who want to stay up‑to‑date, Sky Sports Racing offers a constant stream of news, interviews and feature pieces, and the full Weekend Winners episode is available on the At The Races YouTube channel. Whether you’re backing Calandagan, hoping Masquerade Ball can finally claim his revenge, or simply enjoying the spectacle of world‑class thoroughbreds converging on Ascot, the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes promises to deliver drama, strategy and unforgettable moments.