The upcoming King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot has become the focus of intense discussion on the latest edition of Weekend Winners, where presenter Kate Tracey sat down with racing analysts Declan Rix and Sam Boswell to break down the field and the storylines that could shape the outcome. A total of nine thoroughbreds are slated to contest the Saturday showdown, and the headline act is undoubtedly last year’s victor, Calandagan, who will be looking to repeat his triumph after edging out the filly Kalpana in the previous running.
The Irish colt returns as the clear favorite, but his challengers are far from ordinary. Among them is the Japanese import Masquerade Ball, who suffered a narrow defeat to the Aga Khan’s champion in the Japan Cup on home soil and now seeks revenge on the British turf. Aidan O'Brien will line up a quartet of runners, featuring the Irish Derby winner Benvenuto Cellini and the 2025 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe runner‑up Minnie Hauk, both of whom bring classic‑distance credentials to the race.
Meanwhile, 2024 King George winner Goliath, now partnered with veteran jockey Christophe Soumillon, will be aiming to reclaim the title and prove that his previous success was no fluke. Declan Rix offered a candid assessment of Calandagan’s chances, noting that last year’s race had been set up to suit the horse’s strengths.
“The ground was fast, the pace was honest and the trip played into Calandagan’s 10‑furlong top‑class gear. Ballydoyle’s tactics didn’t quite hit the mark, and the colt was able to dictate terms from the front,” he explained.
Rix warned that this year’s configuration could be markedly different. “We expect a stronger pace from the Action and Lambourn contingents, turning the race into a genuine test of stamina for both Benvenuto Cellini and Minnie Hauk.
If the tempo picks up early, it could force Calandagan to sustain a gallop for the full 12 furlongs, which might expose a change‑of‑gear weakness.” Despite those concerns, Rix remained confident that Calandagan still holds the edge. “He’s older, stronger and has shown consistent form this season, even though his performance at Epsom earlier in the year was a little below par.
Overall, he’s still the horse to beat.” Sam Boswell added a different perspective, focusing on the Japanese challenger. “Masquerade Ball proved he can travel and handle a hostile environment when he contested the Japan Cup. The horse was only a nose short of the Aga Khan’s champion, and that shows he possesses the class to compete at the highest level.
The Ascot surface is unfamiliar to him, but his trainer reported that both Japanese entries looked healthy and eager during the Newmarket media day.” Boswell also discussed the betting market, indicating a slight shift in his own preferences. “I’ve been seeing the odds drift to around 9/2 for Calandagan, but I’m comfortable taking the horse at 7/2.
If Masquerade Ball offers 4/1, I’ll gladly back him, as the price reflects the uncertainty surrounding the trip and the horse’s ability to adapt to British ground.” The conversation then turned to the broader implications of the race. A win for Calandagan would cement his status as a versatile middle‑distance performer capable of thriving on both home and foreign tracks, while a victory for Masquerade Ball would signal a breakthrough for Japanese racing on the international stage, potentially encouraging more owners to target European Group 1 events. In addition to the headline contenders, the panel highlighted several supporting stories that add depth to the card. Kevin Doyle, a former Premier League striker turned racing enthusiast, is pursuing a dream of winning at the Cheltenham Festival with his own horses, Augusta Kate and La Bague Au Roi.
Meanwhile, legendary jockey Ryan Moore has been honoured with an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours, underscoring his long‑standing contribution to the sport. The weekend also features a strong showing from Aidan O'Brien’s stable, with Benvenuto Cellini leading a four‑horse contingent into the Epsom Derby, and Kevin Blake of At The Races offering his expert tips for the classic day.
On a more somber note, former jockey Levi Williams has been sentenced to prison for the manslaughter of a pensioner after a violent altercation outside a pub, reminding fans that life beyond the track can have serious consequences. For fans who want to stay updated, Sky Sports Racing provides a constant stream of news, interviews, and feature pieces, while the full episode of Weekend Winners can be streamed on the At The Races YouTube channel. Whether you are a seasoned punter or a casual observer, the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes promises a blend of drama, talent, and international intrigue that will keep the racing world glued to the Ascot finish line. In summary, the field is deep, the narratives are compelling, and the conditions are set for a classic showdown.
Calandagan arrives as the seasoned veteran with a proven record, Masquerade Ball brings the allure of an underdog seeking redemption, and the O'Brien quartet adds depth and tactical variety. As the paddock fills and the horses break from the stalls, the racing community will be watching closely to see which horse can master the 12‑furlong test and claim the coveted King George title.