The upcoming King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot promises a thrilling contest, with Calandagan, Masquerade Ball and a Ballydoyle quartet anchoring a high‑profile field that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. This Group 1 classic, one of the most prestigious middle‑distance races in the British calendar, has been revitalised this year with a fresh lineup of international talent, each bringing a unique story and a strong record at the highest level.
Calandagan, the French‑trained champion of last season, arrives as the clear favourite. Trained by Francis‑Henri Graffard, the horse capped a remarkable 2023 campaign by being recognised as the world’s top racehorse.
After a dominant victory in the Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan, Calandagan was briefly unsettled on soft ground at Epsom, but quickly regained form by winning the Grand Prix de Saint‑Cloud. That triumph marked his sixth Group‑level win and confirmed his ability to handle a range of ground conditions.
Under the steady hands of jockey Mickael Barzalona, Calandagan is expected to lead a nine‑horse field, setting a brisk pace and testing the stamina of his rivals over the 12‑furlong distance. Close on his heels is Japan’s Masquerage Ball, the 2023 Tenno Sho victor who finished a head behind Calandagan in the Japan Cup last November.
The colt then travelled to Hong Kong and produced a solid second‑place effort behind Romantic Warrior over ten furlongs, demonstrating that he can handle a slightly shorter trip with ease. While there are lingering questions about how well he will adapt to Ascot’s undulating track, his recent form suggests he possesses the class and tenacity to challenge the favourite.
Japanese connections are hopeful that Masquerade Ball could finally break the long‑standing King George hoodoo that has seen many Japanese horses fall short in this race. Also worth noting are the Hardwicke‑placed pair Kalpana and Goliath, both of whom have shown consistency at the Group level and could provide a strong mid‑race presence.
Aidan O'Brien will field a quartet of his own, highlighted by Benvenuto Cellini, the recent Irish Derby winner. This three‑year‑old is stepping up to face older horses for the first time, a test that will be crucial for his development. The booking of Ryan Moore on Benvenuto Cellini adds further intrigue, as Moore’s experience could be decisive in navigating the tactical complexities of a mixed‑age field.
The card also features the Moët & Chandon International Handicap at 2:55 pm, a valuable race over 2 ½ miles that will see 17 runners compete for a substantial purse. Among them, Extremely Zain arrives unbeaten in three starts and appears to be on the cusp of Group‑class status after a dominant performance at York where he easily surpassed a rating of 93.
The handicapper has responded with an eight‑pound penalty, but this is likely to be his final run under handicap conditions, as connections aim to target higher‑level contests. He will break from stall eight under Tom Marquand, who is stepping in for Cieren Fallon. Other notable mentions on the programme include Kevin Doyle, the former Premier League striker turned trainer, who is targeting Cheltenham Festival success with his horses Augusta Kate and La Bague Au Roi. At Ascot, Kalpana will be looking to upset Calandagan in the King George, while Ryan Moore, newly appointed MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours, will ride in several key races.
The Derby card features Aidan O'Brien’s four‑horse contingent, with Benvenuto Cellini leading the charge. The Irish Derby winner is expected to improve on his previous effort against older horses, and the presence of Ryan Moore could provide a tactical edge. Meanwhile, Kevin Blake of At The Races will be offering his expert selections for Derby day, adding another layer of analysis for punters. In the background, former jockey Levi Williams has been sentenced to prison for the manslaughter of a pensioner after a violent altercation outside a pub, a sobering reminder of the off‑track issues that sometimes intersect with the racing world.
Jack Channon’s Mezcala, who captured the Spring Mile earlier in the season and then won the Buckingham Palace Stakes, will start from stall 13 with George Bass aboard. The colt’s turn of foot and ability to sustain a strong finish make him a serious contender in the International Handicap. Completely Random, who was narrowly denied a win over six furlongs at Wokingham, looks poised to improve with the added distance, especially with the experienced Ryan Moore in the saddle. Back In Black and Aalto complete a long shortlist for the same race, with Aalto having recently carried a three‑pound advantage after a Bunbury Cup victory.
Amazing Journey, another strong contender, steps up in trip after dominating a Class 3 handicap at Ascot. The Group 3 Valiant Stakes will showcase an excellent field, with particular attention on Touleen, who drops down in class and could exploit her proven ability against older horses. Owen Burrows’ three‑year‑old filly, a fast‑finishing runner‑up in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot, will face older competition for the first time with William Buick taking over from Saffie Osborne.
Rated seven pounds higher than her rivals, she should be difficult to beat if she receives a clear run. Skydance, who previously beat future Oaks winner Thundering On in a maiden at Leopardstown, remains a classy filly capable of stepping up again, though a layoff may be a minor concern.
Kon Tiki, after posting a career‑best fourth place behind Blue Bolt in the Duke of Cambridge Stakes, will be respected as a solid contender in this grade. Sukanya and Esna are also rated as each‑way prospects, offering value to bettors. Later in the day, the Group 3 Princess Margaret Japan Cup Stakes at 1:45 pm will feature Dark Issue and Alta Regina as the betting favourites.
Moonrise, who narrowly missed a win in the Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot, is also worth watching, especially under the guidance of Oisin Murphy and trainer Andrew Balding. The 4:45 pm Betfred Handicap will see Blue RC, Urban Lion and Crown Board line up, with Asmen Warrior adding another option for James Owen’s stable. Meanwhile, at Chester, Sea Idol leads a six‑horse field for the IRE Incentive, It Pays To Buy Irish Maiden Stakes at 3:10 pm, and the Wilson Family Handicap at 3:48 pm will feature Postmodern, owned by Wathnan, as a strong contender for the Hamad Al Jehani. Finally, Lingfield will host the RJB Agri EBF Novice Stakes at 7:00 pm, where Godolphin‑owned Catching Dreams, trained by Charlie Appleby, makes his debut.
The colt has shown promise in training and could deliver a respectable performance for a stable that is currently on a winning streak. Overall, the Ascot meeting offers a rich tapestry of international stars, seasoned veterans, and promising newcomers. Whether you are a casual fan or a seasoned punter, the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, along with the supporting card, provide ample drama, high‑stakes competition, and the chance to witness some of the finest thoroughbreds in the world test their mettle on one of Britain’s most iconic racecourses.