The upcoming King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot has become the talk of the racing world, and the latest episode of Weekend Winners gave listeners a deep dive into the field. Host Kate Tracey sat down with seasoned pundits Declan Rix and Sam Boswell to break down the nine contenders slated to contest the prestigious twelve‑furlong contest on Saturday. At the heart of the discussion was last season's champion, Calandagan, who will be making a bid to retain his title.
The five‑year‑old secured the 2023 edition in a performance that saw him outpace the talented Kalpana, who finished second. Calandagan’s connections are confident that the horse’s proven ability over a mile and a quarter, combined with his maturity and physical robustness, give him a clear edge over the field. Joining Calandagan from the Land of the Rising Sun is Masquerade Ball, a Japanese‑trained colt who narrowly missed out on victory in the Japan Cup when the Aga Khan’s champion edged him out by a thin margin.
The Japanese horse’s connections view the King George as an opportunity for redemption, and they believe the colt’s blend of speed and stamina will suit the fast Ascot ground. Aidan O'Brien will have a strong representation with four runners. The most prominent of his entries are Benvenuto Cellini, the Irish Derby winner who has shown a turn of foot that could trouble any rival, and Minnie Hauk, who finished runner‑up in the 2025 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and is expected to be a serious threat over the twelve‑furlong distance. O'Brien’s stable is known for its tactical acumen, and the trainer will likely aim to use a strong early pace to stretch the field and set up a genuine test for his two leading horses.
The 2024 King George victor, Goliath, will also be back in the mix, this time under the experienced hands of Christophe Soumillon. Goliath’s win last year was built on a powerful finishing burst, and his team hopes to replicate that performance by exploiting any potential weakness in the ground conditions. During the interview, Tracey highlighted a key point made by one of the analysts: "Last year’s race seemed tailor‑made for Calandagan.
The fast ground and the way the pace unfolded gave him a perfect platform to unleash his ten‑furlong speed. Ballydoyle’s tactics didn’t quite work for the other runners, and Calandagan simply ran away with it." However, the experts cautioned that this year’s scenario could be very different.
"With the presence of Action and Lambourn pushing the early fractions, we could see a genuine test for both Minnie Hauk and Benvenuto Cellini. If the pace is strong from the start, it might force Calandagan to sustain a gallop for the full twelve furlongs, which could expose any change‑of‑gear issues," one pundit noted. Despite those concerns, the consensus was that Calandagan remains the horse to beat.
"He’s older, stronger and has shown consistency this season, even though he had a disappointing run at Epsom earlier in the year. That performance was an outlier, and overall his form points to him being the best in the field," the analyst added. The conversation then shifted to the Japanese challengers. Both Masquerade Ball and his stablemate were praised for their composure during a media day at Newmarket, where they appeared fit and eager.
Their trainer expressed confidence that the journey to the UK had gone smoothly and that the horses were acclimatised to their new surroundings. One of the panelists remarked, "Masquerade Ball carried a bit of extra weight in the Japan Cup, yet he still ran a close second.
The Ascot track is unfamiliar territory for him, but his ability to handle different ground conditions suggests he could adapt quickly. If he can replicate the form he showed in Japan, he will be a serious contender for the win." Betting odds were also discussed. The pundits observed that Calandagan’s odds have drifted to around 9/2, while Masquerade Ball is priced near 4/1.
"If the market is offering 9/2 on Calandagan, I’m comfortable taking it down to 7/2, but the value seems to be shifting towards Masquerade Ball at 4/1. It’s a classic case of weighing the proven champion against an eager challenger looking for redemption," one commentator explained. Beyond the main race, the show previewed other upcoming events on Sky Sports Racing, including the Shergar Cup at Ascot, where Thunder Call is expected to play a pivotal role, and a feature on former Premier League striker Kevin Doyle’s pursuit of Cheltenham Festival glory with his horse Augusta Kate.
In summary, the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes promises a thrilling contest featuring a blend of seasoned champions, rising stars, and international talent. Calandagan’s experience and proven class will be tested against the speed of Masquerade Ball, the stamina of O’Brien’s quartet, and the tenacity of Goliath. As the day approaches, fans and punters alike will be watching the ground conditions, the early pace, and the tactical decisions of each trainer to gauge which horse will ultimately claim the coveted Ascot crown. For those who want to stay updated on the latest racing news, interviews, and in‑depth analysis, Sky Sports Racing offers a dedicated mobile platform that delivers real‑time updates straight to your phone.
The full episode of Weekend Winners, along with additional behind‑the‑scenes content, can be streamed on the At The Races YouTube channel, ensuring that every racing enthusiast can follow the story from start to finish.