The upcoming King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot promises a dazzling revival of one of the sport's premier Group 1 contests, and the line‑up reads like a who's‑who of international talent. Front‑running the nine‑horse field is last season's champion Calandagan, a horse that has already earned the distinction of being the world’s top performer and is now looking to defend his title against a formidable array of rivals. Calandagan, trained by Francis‑Henri Graffard, capped a spectacular 2023 campaign by winning the Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan before a disappointing run on soft ground at Epsom.
He quickly rebounded, taking the Grand Prix de Saint‑Cloud in France, marking his sixth victory at the highest level. Under the expert hands of jockey Mickael Barzalona, the bay colt has shown an uncanny ability to adapt to different surfaces and distances, making him the clear favorite as he lines up for his second King George attempt. Close on Calandagan’s heels is Japan’s own Masquerade Ball, the 2023 Tenno Sho winner who was only a head behind Calandagan in the Japan Cup in November. After a solid runner‑up finish to Romantic Warrior in Hong Kong over ten furlongs, Masquerade Ball is expected to relish the extra stamina test that Ascot presents.
While some observers have questioned whether the Japanese colt will handle the unique Ascot track, his recent form suggests he possesses the class and versatility to challenge the British favorite and potentially break the long‑standing Japanese jinx in this race. Also in the mix are Kalpana and Goliath, two horses whose recent Hardwicke placements indicate they are evenly matched and could provide a strong mid‑race challenge. Aidan O'Brien adds depth to the field with four entries, the most prominent being Benvenuto Cellini. The Irish Derby winner made a convincing comeback in his last start and will be making his first foray against older horses.
The decision to enlist Ryan Moore as his rider underscores the connections’ confidence that the colt can rise to the occasion. Beyond the King George, the day's card offers a wealth of intriguing contests.
At 2:55 p.m., the Moët & Chandon International Handicap features a field of seventeen, highlighted by Mezcala and the unbeaten Extremely Zain. Extremely Zain has impressed with three consecutive wins, including a dominant performance at York where he easily surpassed a rating of 93. The handicapper has responded with an eight‑pound penalty, suggesting this may be his final run under handicap conditions before moving up to Group company. He will start from stall eight under Tom Marquand, who steps in for Cieren Fallon.
The Shergar Cup also returns to Ascot, with jockeys such as Hollie Doyle expected to make an impact aboard Thunder Call. Jamie Lynch will have five horses to watch as international stars clash in this team‑based competition. Meanwhile, former Premier League striker Kevin Doyle is now chasing Cheltenham Festival glory with his horses Augusta Kate and La Bague Au Roi, illustrating the cross‑sport appeal of racing.
In other Group 1 action, the King George’s sister race sees Kalpana surprisingly outpacing Calandagan in a tightly contested finish, while legendary jockey Ryan Moore has been honoured with an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours, reflecting his contributions to the sport. The Epsom Classic will feature Benvenuto Cellini leading O'Brien’s quartet, a race that could shape the narrative for the rest of the summer’s middle‑distance program. 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 veteran rider George Bass.
Meanwhile, Completely Random, who narrowly missed a win over six furlongs at Wokingham, looks to benefit from an added furlong and a top‑class booking for Ryan Moore. Back In Black and Aalto round out a competitive shortlist, with Aalto having just secured a three‑pound advantage after a Bunbury Cup triumph. Amazing Journey, stepping up in trip after a Class 3 handicap victory at Ascot, also merits attention.
The Group 3 Valiant Stakes promises a strong field, with particular focus on Touleen, who drops in class and could be a dark horse. Owen Burrows’ three‑year‑old, a fast‑finishing runner‑up in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot, will finally contest against older horses, now partnered with William Buick after Saffie Osborne’s ride. With a seven‑pound rating advantage, she could dominate if she receives a clean run.
Skydance, who previously beat future Oaks star Thundering On in a maiden at Leopardstown, remains a classy filly despite a brief layoff. Kon Tiki, after posting a career‑best fourth place behind Blue Bolt in the Duke of Cambridge Stakes, should not be underestimated in this grade. Sukanya and Esna are also rated as solid each‑way contenders. At 1:45 p.m., the Group 3 Princess Margaret Japan Cup Stakes will feature Dark Issue and Alta Regina as the betting favourites in a refined fillies’ contest.
Moonrise, who narrowly missed victory in the Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot, could also be a factor for the Oisin Murphy and Andrew Balding partnership. The 4:45 p.m. Betfred Handicap sees Blue RC, Urban Lion and Crown Board line up, with Asmen Warrior adding further intrigue for trainer James Owen. Further afield, Chester hosts the IRE Incentive, It Pays To Buy Irish Maiden Stakes at 3:10 p.m., with Sea Idol positioned as the leading contender among six runners.
The highlight of the Chester card is the 3:48 p.m. Wilson Family Handicap, where the Wathnan‑owned Postmodern is expected to challenge for the Hamad Al Jehani prize. At Lingfield, Charlie Appleby will field the Godolphin‑owned Catching Dreams in the RJB Agri EBF Novice Stakes at 7:00 p.m.
This promising colt could make a strong debut for a stable that has been on a remarkable run this season. Overall, Ascot’s race day offers a blend of seasoned champions, rising stars, and international intrigue, all broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing.
Whether you are a fan of the high‑stakes Group 1 battles or the tactical drama of handicaps, the programme delivers depth, excitement, and a showcase of the global talent that defines modern flat racing.