The anticipation surrounding the upcoming King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes has reached a fever pitch, and on the most recent edition of Weekend Winners, host Kate Tracey sat down with seasoned pundits Declan Rix and Sam Boswell to dissect the form and prospects of the race’s nine contenders. The spotlight inevitably fell on last year’s victor, Calandagan, who will be back at Ascot to try and retain his title after a hard‑fought triumph over Kalpana in the previous running.
Equally intriguing is the presence of Masquerade Ball, a Japanese‑trained challenger who narrowly missed out on victory in the Japan Cup and now hopes to exact revenge on the Aga Khan‑owned champion on English soil. Aidan O'Brien, the master trainer of the Ballydoyle stable, has entered a quartet of runners, headlined by the Irish Derby winner Benvenuto Cellini and the 2025 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe runner‑up Minnie Hauk. Both horses bring a blend of stamina and class that could prove decisive over the 12‑furlong distance. Meanwhile, the 2024 King George winner Goliath will attempt to recapture the crown under the experienced whip of Christophe Soumillon, adding another layer of intrigue to the field.
During the interview, the panelists offered a candid assessment of Calandagan’s chances. One commentator noted, “Last year’s race was essentially tailored to suit Calandagan. The fast ground and a pace that never really tested his stamina allowed him to sit comfortably and unleash his top‑class 10‑furlong turn of foot.
Ballydoyle’s tactics were almost flawless, and you could see why he came out on top.” The same voice warned that this year’s race is likely to unfold differently. “The early fractions are expected to be quicker, with the Action and Lambourn contingents pushing the pace early. That should turn the contest into a genuine stamina test for both Minnie Hauk and Benvenuto Cellini.
The question is whether Calandagan can adapt to a sustained 12‑furlong gallop without losing his rhythm.” The pundits agreed that Calandagan remains the class of the field, but they also acknowledged a recent blemish on his record. “He’s older, stronger, and still looks impressive this season, but we can’t ignore his disappointing run at Epsom earlier in the year.
That performance hinted at a possible vulnerability, especially if the ground turns soft or the pace intensifies,” one analyst observed. Turning to the Japanese entrant, the conversation shifted to Masquerade Ball’s recent Japan Cup effort.
“He gave a massive effort in the opponent’s backyard, finishing just a neck shy of the winner. That shows he can handle the pressure of a top‑level race and travel well,” the panelist remarked.
“On paper, you could make a strong case for either him or Calandagan on Saturday, but my money is leaning towards Masquerade Ball at the current odds.” The discussion also touched on broader racing news, highlighting upcoming events such as the Shergar Cup at Ascot, where Thunder Call is expected to feature prominently, and the ongoing chase for the Cheltenham Festival by former Premier League striker Kevin Doyle, now an aspiring trainer with horses like Augusta Kate and La Bague Au Roi. In a separate segment, jockey Ryan Moore was praised for his recent MBE award in the King’s Birthday Honours, underscoring the deep connection between the sport and national recognition. Meanwhile, the Derby conversation emphasized Benvenuto Cellini’s role as the lead horse in O’Brien’s four‑strong contingent for the Epsom Classic, reinforcing the trainer’s strategic depth across the season. When asked about betting odds, the experts gave a pragmatic view.
“We were seeing odds around 9/2 for Calandagan, but I’d be comfortable taking him at 7/2 if I wanted to back him. The ground and track conditions are practically tailor‑made for his style, which makes him a value bet. However, if I can snag Masquerade Ball at 4/1, I’ll take that chance – the Japanese horse has shown he can handle a fast pace and a firm surface, and the odds are enticing.” Overall, the consensus is that the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes will be a true test of stamina, versatility, and tactical acumen.
Calandagan’s proven class, combined with the fresh challenge from Masquerade Ball and the depth of O’Brien’s stable, promises a thrilling showdown. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned to Sky Sports Racing for live coverage, in‑depth interviews, and the latest updates as the field narrows and the big day approaches. For those who want to keep up with every twist and turn in the world of horse racing, the Weekend Winners program will be available in full on the At The Races YouTube channel, offering a comprehensive recap of the pre‑race analysis and expert predictions. Whether you’re a seasoned punter or a casual observer, the upcoming King George contest is set to deliver high‑octane drama, unforgettable moments, and perhaps a new champion to add to the sport’s storied history.