The upcoming King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot promises a thrilling showdown, headlined by last year’s champion Calandagan and the Japanese contender Masquerade Ball, with a Ballydoyle quartet adding depth to the field. Broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing, the Group 1 contest will feature nine runners, each bringing a distinct pedigree and a compelling storyline that underscores the race’s status as one of the season’s premier middle‑distance events.
Calandagan, the star of Francis-Henri Graffard’s stable, entered the 2023 campaign as the world’s top‑rated racehorse. After securing the Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan, the gelding endured a setback on soft ground at Epsom, only to rebound spectacularly with a victory in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud. That triumph marked his sixth win at the highest level and demonstrated his versatility across a range of ground conditions. Under the steady hands of jockey Mickaël Barzalona, Calandagan arrives at Ascot in peak form, eager to defend his title and further cement his legacy.
Japanese runner Masquerage Ball, the previous year’s Tenno Sho winner, finished a close second to Calandagan in the Japan Cup last November. Since then, he has added a solid runner‑up performance behind Romantic Warrior in Hong Kong over ten furlongs, showing that the extra distance of the King George will suit his stamina.
Although some observers question his adaptability to Ascot’s unique track layout, the Japanese connections are confident that Masquerade Ball possesses the class and determination to break the long‑standing King George hoodoo that has plagued their horses. The field also includes Kalpana and Goliath, two horses whose recent Hardwicke placings suggest a tight duel for the remaining placings. Aidan O'Brien will field four entries, the most notable being Benvenuto Cellini, fresh from an Irish Derby triumph.
The three‑year‑old will be stepping up to face older horses for the first time, and the booking of Ryan Moore could prove decisive in navigating the tactical complexities of the race. Beyond the main event, the meeting offers a rich tapestry of supporting races. At 2.55 p.m., the Moet & Chandon International Handicap will see 17 runners vie for a valuable purse. Among them, Mezcala, who captured the Spring Mile earlier in the season, and Extremely Zain, unbeaten in three starts and recently rated as a Group‑level prospect after a dominant performance at York, will be keenly watched.
Extremely Zain, now carrying an additional eight pounds, is expected to make his final start in a handicap before moving on to higher‑class contests, with Tom Marquand aboard. The Shergar Cup, a beloved international team competition, will also be staged at Ascot and broadcast live.
Highlights include a potential cameo from Thunder Call, as suggested by jockey Hollie Doyle, and a lineup of five horses from trainer Jamie Lynch. Former footballer Kevin Doyle, now a trainer, will aim for Cheltenham Festival glory with his horses Augusta Kate and La Bague Au Roi, illustrating the cross‑sport appeal of British racing.
In a surprising twist, Kalpana is projected to defeat Calandagan in the King George, a scenario that would upend pre‑race expectations and showcase the depth of talent in the field. Meanwhile, legendary jockey Ryan Moore has been honored with an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours, a testament to his contributions to the sport.
The Derby prospects are also highlighted, with Benvenuto Cellini leading O'Brien’s quartet for the Epsom Classic. Jack Channon’s Mezcala, who previously won the Buckingham Palace Stakes from stall 13 under George Bass, will be a strong contender in the upcoming handicap, while Completely Random, who narrowly missed a win over six furlongs at Wokingham, looks set to improve over the added distance. Other notable entries include Back In Black and Aalto, both of whom have performed well in recent handicaps, and Amazing Journey, stepping up in trip after a Class 3 victory at Ascot. The Group 3 Valiant Stakes will attract attention to Touleen, who drops in class, and Owen Burrows’ three‑year‑old, who was a fast‑finishing runner‑up in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot and now faces older competition with William Buick replacing Saffie Osborne.
Filly Skydance, who previously beat future Oaks winner Thundering On in a maiden at Leopardstown, remains a high‑class prospect despite a brief layoff. Kon Tiki, after a career‑best fourth in the Duke of Cambridge Stakes, will be respected in the field, while Sukanya and Esna are rated as each‑way candidates. The afternoon schedule also includes the Group 3 Princess Margaret Japan Cup Stakes at 1.45 p.m., featuring Dark Issue and Alta Regina as betting favourites.
Moonrise, who was unlucky in the Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot, is also a strong contender for trainer Oisin Murphy and owner Andrew Balding. Later, the Betfred Handicap at 4.45 p.m. will see Blue RC, Urban Lion, Crown Board and Asmen Warrior line up, providing a competitive platform for emerging talent. Meanwhile, Chester will host the IRE Incentive and the It Pays To Buy Irish Maiden Stakes at 3.10 p.m., with Sea Idol leading a six‑horse field.
At Lingfield, Charlie Appleby will field Godolphin’s Catching Dreams in the RJB Agri EBF Novice Stakes at 7.00 p.m., a promising colt that could make a strong debut for a stable on a hot streak. Overall, the Ascot meeting offers a blend of elite Group 1 action, promising handicaps, and international intrigue, making it a must‑watch for racing enthusiasts worldwide.