Sky Sports Racing ambassador Hollie Doyle shares her perspective on the upcoming King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot, while also reviewing the standout performances from the weekend’s meetings at Ascot and York. Having spent three winters competing in Tokyo, Japan holds a special place in my heart, so I’ll be cheering for the Japanese contender Masquerade Ball in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (3.35) on Saturday.
Trainer Takahisa Tezuka’s colt still has a score to settle with the formidable Calandagan after a narrow defeat in the Japan Cup last November. Since that close call, Masquerade Ball has proven his class with a gallant runner‑up effort to Hong Kong’s Romantic Warrior in the QEII Cup, while the French star has added both the Sheema Classic and the Grand Prix de Saint‑Cloud to an already impressive résumé. Regardless of the outcome, the race promises to be a thriller. Aidan O’Brien’s Irish Derby winner Benvenuto Cellini will be carrying a substantial weight penalty, which could open the door for Masquerade Ball to deliver one of the most memorable Japanese triumphs abroad.
The colt is a year younger than Calandagan and still possesses untapped potential; if he can stay on his feet over the uphill finish, revenge may be within reach. In the two‑year‑old division, MOONRISE has a chance to boost her standing in the Group 3 Princess Margaret Japan Cup Stakes (1.45) at Ascot. The filly, owned by Andrew Balding’s family and out of Churchill, stepped up in class with a close third in the Windsor Castle Stakes at the Royal Meeting.
Her combination of a good temperament and solid form on the track makes her a genuine threat. Richard Hannon’s Dark Issue was fourth in the Group 3 Albany Stakes at the same venue last month.
That form has since been validated by the runner‑up Sun Goddess, who captured a Group 2 race in Ireland for Aidan O’Brien. However, Oisin Murphy’s filly offers even better value at current odds. Hollie Doyle also notes that Thunder Call could feature prominently in the Shergar Cup at Ascot, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing on Saturday. Jamie Lynch will have five runners to watch as international stars clash in the competition.
Kevin Doyle, a former Premier League striker, is now pursuing Cheltenham Festival glory with his horses Augusta Kate and La Bague Au Roi, adding another layer of intrigue to the weekend’s racing narrative. At Ascot, Kalpana managed to outpace Calandagan in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the race.
Meanwhile, legendary jockey Ryan Moore has been honoured with an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours, a fitting recognition of his contributions to the sport. In the Derby, Aidan O’Brien will field a four‑strong team led by Benvenuto Cellini, aiming to secure a classic victory at Epsom. Owen Burrows’ filly Touleen was arguably unlucky in the Coronation Stakes, having been caught in a difficult passage that split two Guineas winners.
Despite the setback, she remains a credible contender for the Group 3 Longines Valiant Stakes (2.20) under William Buick. Personally, I lean towards Jane Chapple‑Hyam’s KON TIKI, with Ryan Moore booked as a significant rider. Never miss a story—stay up to date with the latest racing news, interviews, and features on your mobile device. Touleen is still open to improvement and possesses the ability to win 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, who could soon step up to Pattern races later in the season. Although his last run in a hot handicap at York was not ideal, he rebounded with an impressive victory under Cieren Fallon and appears capable of handling an eight‑pound penalty from a decent draw.
The race will be tough, so keep an eye on Jack Channon’s Mezcala, the Buckingham Palace winner for Tom. Despite returning on a stiffer mark of 98, the horse still has plenty to offer. I’m disappointed that the Sky Bet York Stakes (2.35) at York attracted only five runners, yet the field remains high‑quality, led by the globe‑trotting champion ROYAL CHAMPION. Karl Burke’s eight‑year‑old has enjoyed a well‑deserved spell since winning the lucrative Neom Turf Cup in Saudi Arabia and finishing fourth behind Romantic Warrior and Masquerade Ball in Hong Kong.
Tough, resilient, and capable of finding his best form when fresh, Royal Champion has less to prove than the Dante winner Item, who may have been compromised by ground conditions in the Epsom Derby but now needs to take a significant 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, which looks set to offer value at generous odds over six furlongs. For the latest horse racing updates, interviews, and features, follow Sky Sports Racing. Having just completed his second start after wind‑surgery, the horse can build on a promising close second at Chester last month for a trainer who excels at The Knavesmire.
I expected Addison Grey to win after chasing home the subsequent Wokingham Winner Double Rush at Newmarket, but Clive Cox’s grey has not capitalised in two runs since. Nevertheless, an unchanged mark 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 program at Oaksey House in Lambourn. I’m training five days a week under a top‑class team, combining gym work, cycling, and hydro‑pool sessions to regain mobility.
The road back from the injury I sustained in a fall at Bath in May is long, but it feels encouraging to finally be more active and making steady progress toward a full return to riding.