The upcoming King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot promises a thrilling renewal of one of the sport's most prestigious Group 1 contests, and the race will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. The headline attraction is last season's champion Calandagan, who returns to defend his title against a deep field of nine high‑class runners. Calandagan, the pride of Francis‑Henri Graffard's stable, finished the previous year as the top‑rated racehorse in the world.
His campaign has been nothing short of spectacular: after securing victory in the Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan, the colt suffered a disappointing run on soft ground at Epsom, only to rebound with a dominant performance in the Grand Prix de Saint‑Cloud. That triumph marked his sixth Group‑level win and demonstrated his versatility across different tracks and conditions. Under the expert guidance of jockey Mickael Barzalona, Calandagan is expected to set a high benchmark for the rest of the field. Close on his heels is Masquerade Ball, the Japanese contender who finished a head behind Calandagan in the Japan Cup last November.
The horse has continued to prove his mettle, taking a solid second place behind Romantic Warrior in Hong Kong over a distance of ten furlongs. While there are lingering questions about how well Masquerine Ball will handle Ascot’s unique layout and the longer distance of the King George, his recent form suggests he is more than capable of rising to the occasion. Japanese connections are hopeful that he can finally break the long‑standing hoodoo that has prevented a Japanese horse from winning this race. Also featuring are Kalpana and Goliath, two closely matched rivals whose recent Hardwicke placings indicate they will be serious contenders.
Aidan O'Brien adds depth to the lineup with four entries, the most notable being Benvenuto Cellini. The Irish Derby winner is stepping up to face older horses for the first time, and the pairing with veteran jockey Ryan Moore could prove decisive. The card also includes a valuable Moët & Chandon International Handicap scheduled for 2:55 pm.
Among the twenty‑seven runners, Mezcala and Extremely Zain stand out. Extremely Zain arrives unbeaten in three starts, having shown the makings of a Group‑level performer when he comfortably surpassed a rating of 93 at York.
The handicapper has responded with an eight‑pound increase, and this is likely his final run under handicap conditions before moving up in class. He will start from stall eight under Tom Marquand, who replaces Cieren Fallon for this race.
Additional highlights on the Ascot card include: - Hollie Doyle’s Thunder Call, a potential key player in the Shergar Cup, which will also be shown live on Sky Sports Racing. - Jamie Lynch’s five horses competing in the international showdown of the Shergar Cup.
- Former Premier League striker Kevin Doyle’s pursuit of Cheltenham Festival glory with Augusta Kate and La Bague Au Roi. - A dramatic showdown between Kalpana and Calandagan in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes. - Legendary jockey Ryan Moore receiving an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours. - Benvenuto Cellini leading O'Brien’s quartet in the Epsom Classic.
Jack Channon’s Mezcala, who captured the Spring Mile earlier in the season and later added the Buckingham Palace Stakes, will start from stall 13 with George Bass aboard. Completely Random, who was narrowly beaten over six furlongs at Wokingham, looks likely to improve over the added distance, especially with Ryan Moore as his jockey.
Back In Black and Aalto round out a long shortlist for the Group 3 Valiant Stakes, with Aalto having just secured a three‑pound advantage after a Bunbury Cup victory. Amazing Journey, stepping up in trip after a dominant Class 3 handicap win at Ascot, also merits attention. The Group 3 Valiant Stakes will feature a strong field, and all eyes will be on Touleen, who drops in class for this race.
Owen Burrows’ three‑year‑old filly, a fast‑finishing runner‑up in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot, will face older horses for the first time with William Buick taking the reins from Saffie Osborne. Rated seven pounds higher than her rivals, she should be difficult to beat if she gets a clear run. Skydance, who previously defeated future Oaks champion Thundering On in a maiden at Leopardstown, remains a classy filly with the only concern being a long layoff. Kon Tiki produced a career‑best performance when finishing fourth behind Blue Bolt in the Duke of Cambridge Stakes at the Royal meeting, and she will be respected in this grade.
Sukanya and Esna are also rated as each‑way prospects in the upcoming contests. Later in the day, Ascot will host the Group 3 Princess Margaret Japan Cup Stakes at 1:45 pm. Dark Issue and Alta Regina are among the early favorites for this elegant fillies’ race.
Moonrise, who was unlucky in the Windsor Castle at Royal Ascot, is also worth considering for trainer Oisin Murphy and Andrew Balding. The 4:45 pm Betfred Handicap will feature Blue RC, Urban Lion, Crown Board and Asmen Warrior, each offering a strong chance for the James Owen‑trained connections. Beyond Ascot, Chester will stage the IRE Incentive, It Pays To Buy Irish Maiden Stakes at 3:10 pm, with Sea Idol leading a six‑horse field.
The highlight of the Chester card is the 3:48 pm Wilson Family Handicap, where Postmodern, owned by the Wathnan family, is expected to challenge for the Hamad Al Jehani prize. At Lingfield, Godolphin’s Charlie Appleby will enter Catching Dreams in the RJB Agri EBF Novice Stakes at 7:00 pm. The colt, a promising newcomer, could make a significant impact for a stable that has been in excellent form this season. Overall, the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot, together with the supporting races across the meeting, promise a day of world‑class competition, international intrigue, and plenty of storylines for racing enthusiasts.
With Calandagan aiming to repeat his triumph, Masquerade Ball seeking to end Japan’s historic drought, and a host of other top‑tier horses vying for glory, the event is set to be a highlight of the British flat racing calendar.