Sky Sports Racing ambassador Hollie Doyle shares her insights on the upcoming King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot, scheduled for Saturday, and offers a quick rundown of the most compelling contests from the recent meetings at Ascot and York. Having spent three winters riding in Tokyo, Japan holds a special place in my heart, so I will be cheering for their standout contender, Masquerade Ball, in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (3.35) at Ascot on Saturday. The colt, trained by Takahisa Tezuka, still has a score to settle with the formidable Calandagan after narrowly missing out in the Japan Cup last November.
Since that close defeat, Masquerade Ball has shown resilience, finishing a gallant runner‑up to Hong Kong’s Romantic Warrior in the QEII Cup, while the Japanese superstar has added the Sheema Classic and the Grand Prix de Saint‑Cloud to an already impressive résumé. Whatever the outcome, the race promises to be a thriller. Aidan O'Brien’s Irish Derby winner Benvenuto Cellini will be carrying a hefty weight penalty, which could open a window for Masquerade Ball to deliver one of the most memorable Japanese triumphs on British soil. The colt is a year younger than Calandagan and appears capable of improving further; if he can stay on his feet over the uphill finish, revenge may be within reach.
In the two‑year‑old division, MOONRISE looks set to boost her credentials in the Group 3 Princess Margaret Japan Cup Stakes (1.45) at Ascot. The filly, owned by Andrew Balding and out of the Churchill line, stepped up in class with a tight third in the Windsor Castle Stakes at the Royal Meeting. Her combination of a keen attitude and solid form on the track makes her a difficult opponent for any rival.
Richard Hannon’s Dark Issue, who was fourth in the Group 3 Albany Stakes at York last month, also merits attention. Although his form has been eclipsed by Sun Goddess, the runner‑up who later claimed a Group 2 in Ireland for Aidan O'Brien, Oisin Murphy’s filly still offers attractive value for punters seeking a bargain. Hollie Doyle also highlighted that Thunder Call could play a role in the Shergar Cup at Ascot, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing on Saturday.
Jamie Lynch’s five horses are slated to contest the international showdown, pitting top talent from around the globe against each other. In other news, former Premier League striker Kevin Doyle is now pursuing Cheltenham Festival glory with his horses Augusta Kate and La Bague Au Roi, underscoring the cross‑sport appeal of horse racing. At Ascot, the headline clash sees Kalpana taking on Calandagan in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes. The race has already generated considerable buzz, with many experts believing that Kalpana’s blend of speed and stamina could upset the established order.
Legendary jockey Ryan Moore was recently honoured with an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours, a testament to his enduring contributions to the sport. Turning to the Derby, Aidan O'Brien will field a four‑strong team led by Benvenuto Cellini for the Epsom Classic, reinforcing his dominance in the middle‑distance division.
Owen Burrows’ filly Touleen was arguably unlucky in the Coronation Stakes when she was forced to split two Guineas winners despite a challenging run. She will now be a leading contender for the Group 3 Longines Valiant Stakes (2.20) under William Buick. However, I am inclined to back Jane Chapple‑Hyam’s KON TIKI, with Ryan Moore aboard, as a serious threat. Never miss a story – the latest racing news, interviews and features are now available on your mobile device, ensuring you stay up‑to‑date wherever you are.
Touleen remains open to improvement and possesses the class to win at this level. She should find the Group 2 Duke of Cambridge Stakes less demanding than the previous test, especially after she chased home Blue Bolt for the second time this year. My husband Tom (Marquand) has a strong contender in the Moët & Chandon International Handicap (2.55) at Ascot: the unbeaten EXTREMELY ZAIN.
The colt has shown the potential to compete in Pattern races later in the season. Although his performance in a hot handicap at York was below expectations, he rebounded with an impressive victory under Cieren Fallon, suggesting he can handle an eight‑pound penalty from a decent draw.
A tougher pick is Jack Channon’s Mezcala, the Buckingham Palace winner for Tom, who still has plenty to offer despite stepping up to a higher mark of 98. I am disappointed that the Sky Bet York Stakes (2.35) at York attracted only five runners, but the quality of the field is high, led by the globe‑trotting champion ROYAL CHAMPION.
Karl Burke’s eight‑year‑old has enjoyed a well‑deserved break since winning the valuable Neom Turf Cup in Saudi Arabia and finishing fourth behind Romantic Warrior and Masquerade Ball in Hong Kong. Tough, resilient, and capable of finding peak form when fresh, Royal Champion now faces a less formidable opponent than the Dante winner Item, who may have been compromised by ground conditions in the Epsom Derby but now needs a decisive step forward to claim this Group 2.
The Sky Bet Dash Handicap (2.00) at York looks wide open, prompting me to back Kevin Ryan’s locally trained WE NEVER STOP, a six‑furlong specialist likely to be offered at generous odds. Recent horse racing news, interviews and features from Sky Sports Racing continue to highlight the sport’s excitement.
After undergoing wind‑surgery, a promising horse is making his second start, building on a close second at Chester last month for a trainer who excels at The Knavesmire. I had expected Addison Grey to win after a successful chase home of the Wokingham Winner Double Rush at Newmarket, yet Clive Cox’s grey has not capitalised in his last two runs.
Nonetheless, an unchanged rating of 94 should keep him firmly in the mix. Since receiving clearance last week to resume weight‑bearing on my fractured left leg, I have intensified my rehabilitation routine at Oaksey House in Lambourn. I now train five days a week under a superb team, completing rigorous gym sessions, cycling, and hydro‑pool work to restore mobility. The road back from the injury I sustained in a fall at Bath in May is long, but it feels encouraging to be more active and to see progress each day.