Sky Sports Racing ambassador Hollie Doyle shares her insights on the upcoming King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot this Saturday, while also weighing in on the standout performances from the weekend’s meetings at Ascot and York. Japan has always held a special place in my heart after three winters riding in Tokyo, so I’ll be cheering for their star, Masquerade Ball, in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (3.35) at Ascot on Saturday. Takahisa Tezuka’s colt still has unfinished business with the formidable Calandagan after narrowly missing out in the Japan Cup last November. Since that close defeat, the Japanese runner has produced a gallant runner‑up effort to Hong Kong’s Romantic Warrior in the QEII Cup, while the French champion has added the Sheema Classic and the Grand Prix de Saint‑Cloud to an already impressive résumé.
Whatever the outcome, the race promises to be a thriller. Aidan O’Brien’s Irish Derby winner Benvenuto Cellini will be carrying a hefty weight penalty, but I sense that everything is aligning for Masquerade Ball to deliver one of Japan’s most memorable triumphs abroad.
At just a year younger than Calandagan and still showing signs of improvement, he has the chance to exact revenge, provided the uphill finish does not sap his stamina. Another story to watch is MOONRISE, who could boost her reputation in the Group 3 Princess Margaret Japan Cup Stakes (1.45), a key two‑year‑old fillies’ contest at Ascot.
Trained by Andrew Balding, the daughter of Churchill stepped up in class with a tight third in the Windsor Castle Stakes at the Royal Meeting. Her blend of a good temperament and proven form on the track makes her a hard‑to‑ignore contender.
Richard Hannon’s Dark Issue placed fourth in the Group 3 Albany Stakes at York last month – a form that has since been validated by the runner‑up Sun Goddess, who captured a Group 2 in Ireland for Aidan O’Brien. Nevertheless, Oisin Murphy’s filly offers attractive value and could prove a better pick on the day.
In other news, Hollie Doyle predicts that Thunder Call will feature prominently in the Shergar Cup at Ascot, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing this Saturday. Jamie Lynch will have five horses to watch as international stars clash in the Shergar Cup, while former Premier League striker Kevin Doyle is now pursuing Cheltenham Festival glory with his charges Augusta Kate and La Bague Au Roi.
At Ascot, Kalpana is set to challenge Calandagan in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, a duel that could reshape the season’s narrative. Meanwhile, legendary jockey Ryan Moore has been honoured with an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours, underscoring his enduring impact on the sport. Turning to the Derby, Benvenuto Cellini leads a four‑strong Aidan O’Brien contingent for the Epsom Classic, highlighting O’Brien’s depth of talent across the middle distances. Owen Burrows’ filly Touleen was unlucky in the Coronation Stakes when she was caught in a difficult passage that split two Guineas winners.
She will be a strong favourite for the Group 3 Longines Valiant Stakes (2.20) under William Buick, though I lean toward Jane Chapple‑Hyam’s KON TIKI, who also benefits from a Ryan Moore booking. Never miss a story – the latest racing news, interviews and features are now available on your phone. Find out more.
Touleen remains open to improvement and is more than capable of winning at this level. She should find the Group 2 Duke of Cambridge Stakes less demanding after a solid performance chasing home Blue Bolt for the second time this year.
My husband Tom (Marquand) backs a favourite in the Moët & Chandon International Handicap (2.55) at Ascot – the unbeaten EXTREMELY ZAIN, a horse with the potential to compete in Pattern races later in the season. Although he struggled in a hot handicap at York previously, he rebounded with an impressive win under Cieren Fallon and could handle an 8‑pound increase from a decent draw. The race will be ultra‑tough, so keep an eye on Jack Channon’s Mezcala, a Buckingham Palace winner for Tom that still has plenty left to give despite returning on a stiffer mark of 98. I am disappointed that the Sky Bet York Stakes (2.35) at York attracted only five runners, yet the field is still high‑quality, headlined by the globe‑trotting champion ROYAL CHAMPION.
Karl Burke’s eight‑year‑old has enjoyed a well‑deserved spell since winning the valuable Neom Turf Cup in Saudi Arabia and then finishing fourth behind Romantic Warrior and Masquerade Ball in Hong Kong. Tough, resilient, and capable of finding his best form fresh, Royal Champion has less to prove than Dante winner Item, who may have been hindered by ground conditions in the Epsom Derby but now needs a big step forward to capture this Group 2. The Sky Bet Dash Handicap (2.00) at York feels wide‑open, prompting me to back Kevin Ryan’s locally trained WE NEVER STOP, a sprinter likely to offer great value in the six‑furlong contest. Recent updates from the track include a horse returning for a second start after wind surgery, building on an encouraging close second at Chester last month for a trainer who excels at The Knavesmire.
Addison Grey was expected to win after securing the Wokingham Winner Double Rush at Newmarket, yet Clive Cox’s grey has yet to capitalise in two runs. Nonetheless, an unchanged rating of 94 should keep him firmly in the mix.
Since receiving clearance last week to begin weight‑bearing on my broken left leg, I have intensified my rehabilitation at Oaksey House in Lambourn. I now train five days a week under a superb team, completing demanding gym sessions, bike work and hydro‑pool therapy to regain full movement. The road back from the injury sustained in a fall at Bath in May is long, but it feels encouraging to finally be more active and to see progress each day.