Sky Sports Racing ambassador Hollie Doyle shares her insights on the upcoming King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot, while also reviewing the standout performances from the weekend’s meetings at Ascot and York. Japan has always held a special place in my heart after three winters riding in Tokyo, so I’ll be cheering for their star, Masquerade Ball, in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (3.35) at Ascot on Saturday.
Takahisa Tezuka’s colt still has a score to settle with the formidable Calandagan after being edged out at the line in the Japan Cup last November. Since that narrow defeat, the Japanese runner has produced a gallant runner‑up effort to Hong Kong’s Romantic Warrior in the QEII Cup, while the French champion 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, but I sense that all the conditions are aligning for Masquerade Ball to deliver one of the most memorable Japanese triumphs in recent history.
The colt is a year younger than Calandagan and still possesses room for improvement; he can exact revenge provided the uphill finish doesn’t sap his stamina. Another story to watch is MOONRISE, who could boost her reputation in the Group 3 Princess Margaret Japan Cup Stakes (1.45), the premier two‑year‑old fillies’ contest at Ascot. Trained by Andrew Balding, the daughter of Churchill stepped up in class with a tight third in the Windsor Castle Stakes at the Royal Meeting. Her combination of a good temperament and solid track form makes her a tough opponent.
Richard Hannon’s Dark Issue placed fourth in the Group 3 Albany Stakes at the same venue last month. Since then the runner‑up, Sun Goddess, has captured a Group 2 in Ireland for Aidan O’Brien, suggesting that Oisin Murphy’s filly offers even better value at current odds. Hollie Doyle also notes that Thunder Call is likely to feature in the Shergar Cup at Ascot, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing this Saturday.
The Shergar Cup will see Jamie Lynch field five horses at Ascot as international stars clash for the coveted trophy. Kevin Doyle, a former Premier League striker, is now targeting Cheltenham Festival glory with his horses Augusta Kate and La Bague Au Roi. At Ascot, Kalpana has already turned the tables on Calandagan in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, setting up an intriguing showdown.
Legendary jockey Ryan Moore has been honoured with an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours, recognizing his contributions to the sport. In the Derby, Benvenuto Cellini leads a four‑horse Aidan O’Brien contingent aiming for the Epsom Classic.
There is no doubt that Owen Burrows’ filly Touleen was unlucky in the Coronation Stakes when she was forced wide, splitting two Guineas winners despite a difficult trip. She will be a strong contender for the Group 3 Longines Valiant Stakes (2.20) under William Buick, though I am inclined to back Jane Chapple‑Hyam’s KON TIKI with Ryan Moore aboard, another significant booking. Never miss a story – the latest racing news, interviews and features are available on your phone.
Find out more. Touleen remains open to improvement and is more than capable of winning at this level. The Group 2 Duke of Cambridge Stakes should not be as demanding for her, especially after she chased home Blue Bolt for a second time this year.
My husband Tom (Marquand) has a strong chance with the unbeaten EXTREMELY ZAIN in the Moët & Chandon International Handicap (2.55) at Ascot. The colt has the potential to step up into Pattern races later in the season. Although his last run in a hot handicap at York was not ideal, he still managed an impressive win under Cieren Fallon and could handle an 8‑lb weight increase from a decent draw.
That race will be ultra‑tough, so keep an eye on Jack Channon’s Mezcala, the Buckingham Palace winner for Tom, who still has plenty to offer despite returning on a stiffer mark of 98. I am disappointed that the Sky Bet York Stakes (2.35) at York attracted only five runners, but the field is nonetheless high‑quality, headed by the globe‑trotting champion ROYAL CHAMPION. Karl Burke’s eight‑year‑old has enjoyed a well‑deserved spell since winning the lucrative Neom Turf Cup in Saudi Arabia and then finishing fourth behind Romantic Warrior and Masquerade Ball in Hong Kong. Royal Champion is tough, resilient and capable of finding his best form fresh.
He now has less to prove than the Dante winner Item, who may have been compromised by ground conditions in the Epsom Derby but now needs to take a big step forward to claim this Group 2. The Sky Bet Dash Handicap (2.00) at York feels wide‑open, so I am opting for value in Kevin Ryan’s locally trained WE NEVER STOP, which looks set to go off at generous odds in the six‑furlong sprint. Recent horse racing news, interviews and features continue to flow from Sky Sports Racing. Having his second start after wind‑surgery, the horse can build on an encouraging close second at Chester last month for a trainer who excels at The Knavesmire.
I expected Addison Grey to win after chasing home the subsequent Wokingham Winner Double Rush at Newmarket, but Clive Cox’s grey has not capitalised in two starts since. Nevertheless, an unchanged mark of 94 should keep him firmly in the mix. Since receiving clearance last week to begin weight‑bearing on my broken 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 strong gym sessions, bike work and hydro‑pool therapy to improve mobility. It is a long road back from the injury I suffered in a fall at Bath in May, but it feels encouraging to finally be more active and to see progress each day.