The upcoming King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot is set to be a dazzling affair, broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing, with a line‑up that reads like a who's who of international thoroughbred talent. At the forefront of the nine‑horse field is last season's champion, Calandagan, who will defend his title against a formidable array of rivals, including the Japanese star Masquerade Ball and a quartet from Ballydoyle. This Group 1 contest promises to be a thrilling renewal of one of the British racing calendar's most prestigious events. Calandagan arrives in peak condition after a glittering campaign that saw the French‑trained colt, owned by Francis‑Henri Graffard, crowned the world's top racehorse at the end of the previous season.
His recent résumé includes a dominant victory in the Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan, a narrow defeat on soft ground at Epsom, and a triumphant return to form with a win in the Grand Prix de Saint‑Cloud. Under the skilled guidance of jockey Mickael Barzalona, Calandagan has already amassed six top‑level victories, establishing a high benchmark for the day. Chasing the French champion is Japan's own Masquerage Ball, who finished a head behind Calandagan in the Japan Cup last November and then secured a solid second place behind Romantic Warrior in Hong Kong over ten furlongs.
The extra distance of the King George—12 furlongs—should suit the Japanese colt, although there are lingering questions about his adaptability to Ascot's unique track configuration. Japanese connections are hopeful that Masquerade Ball can finally break the country's long‑standing hoodoo in this race and deliver a historic win. Also in the mix are Kalpana and Goliath, two horses whose recent Hardwicke performances have placed them in close contention.
Their form suggests a tight duel may develop for the placings behind the leading pair. Adding further depth to the field is a four‑horse contingent from Aidan O'Brien, headed by Benvenuto Cellini. The Irish Derby winner is stepping up to face older horses for the first time, and the booking of Ryan Moore as his jockey could prove decisive, given Moore's experience at the highest level.
The card also features a valuable Moët & Chandon International Handicap at 2:55 pm, where a field of seventeen will contest a lucrative purse. Among the entrants are Mezcala and Extremely Zain. Extremely Zain arrives unbeaten in three starts and has shown Group‑class potential, having easily surpassed a rating of 93 at York. The handicapper has responded with an eight‑pound weight increase, indicating that this may be 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 storylines include Hollie Doyle’s Thunder Call, expected to feature in the Shergar Cup at Ascot, and former Premier League striker Kevin Doyle’s quest for Cheltenham Festival glory with his horses Augusta Kate and La Bague Au Roi.
In a surprising twist, Kalpana managed to defeat Calandagan in a recent King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes encounter, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the competition. The legendary jockey Ryan Moore has been honored with an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours, adding a note of celebration to his participation. Meanwhile, the Derby sees Benvenuto Cellini leading O'Brien’s quartet in the Epsom Classic, reinforcing the Irish trainer’s dominance across the season.
Jack Channon’s Mezcala, who claimed the Spring Mile earlier in the year and displayed a sharp turn of foot to win the Buckingham Palace Stakes on his last start, will start from stall 13 with George Bass aboard. The horse has shown a strong affinity for the course and could be a key player in the International Handicap. Completely Random, a sprinter who narrowly missed out over six furlongs at Wokingham, is stepping up in distance for the first time and may benefit from the experienced Ryan Moore’s tactics. Back In Black and Aalto round out a competitive shortlist, with Aalto carrying three pounds less after a Bunbury Cup victory, while Amazing Journey steps up in trip after dominating a Class 3 handicap at Ascot.
The Group 3 Valiant Stakes will also attract attention, particularly on the performance of Touleen, who drops in class for this race. Owen Burrows’ three‑year‑old, who finished 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 is expected to be a difficult opponent if she finds a clear run. Skydance, who last beat future Oaks winner Thundering On in a maiden at Leopardstown, remains a classy filly with the only concern being a recent layoff. Kon Tiki, who produced a career‑best fourth place behind Blue Bolt in the Duke of Cambridge Stakes at the Royal meeting, should not be underestimated in this grade. Sukanya and Esna are listed as each‑way contenders, offering value to punters.
Later in the day, the Group 3 Princess Margaret Japan Cup Stakes at 1:45 pm will see Dark Issue and Alta Regina leading the betting for a high‑class renewal of this fillies’ contest. Moonrise, who was unlucky in the Windsor Castle at Royal Ascot, also merits consideration for trainer Oisin Murphy and owner Andrew Balding.
The 4:45 pm Betfred Handicap will feature Blue RC, Urban Lion, Crown Board, and Asmen Warrior, each with a realistic chance of making an impact. Meanwhile, Chester hosts the IRE Incentive, It Pays To Buy Irish Maiden Stakes at 3:10 pm, with Sea Idol as the standout among six runners.
The card’s headline race at Chester will be the Wilson Family Handicap at 3:48 pm, where Postmodern, owned by the Wathnan family, is fancied to challenge for the Hamad Al Jehani. Finally, at Lingfield, Godolphin’s Charlie Appleby will field Catching Dreams in the RJB Agri EBF Novice Stakes at 7:00 pm.
The colt, showcasing early promise, could deliver a strong debut for a stable that has been in fine form throughout the season. Overall, the Ascot meeting offers a rich tapestry of narratives, from the defense of a world‑class champion to the emergence of new talent across multiple classes.
Fans can expect a day filled with high‑stakes drama, international intrigue, and the occasional surprise that makes horse racing such a captivating sport.