The upcoming King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes has become the focal point of the latest Weekend Winners broadcast, where host Kate Tracey sat down with racing analysts Declan Rix and Sam Boswell to dissect the field. A total of nine contenders will line up for the Saturday showdown, headlined by last year’s victor Calandagan, who is back to try and repeat his triumph after having bested Kalpana in the previous season. Also making a high‑profile return from Japan is Masquerade Ball, a horse that narrowly missed out on victory in the Japan Cup, losing by a whisker to the Aga Khan’s champion on home turf.
The Japanese contender is now eager to settle the score on British soil. Aidan O'Brien will send a quartet of runners, the most notable being Benvenuto Cellini, the Irish Derby winner, and Minnie Hauk, who finished second in the 2025 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Meanwhile, the 2024 King George winner Goliath will attempt to regain his crown under the guidance of veteran jockey Christophe Soumillon. "Last year’s race unfolded in a way that perfectly suited Calandagan," one of the pundits explained.
"If you were planning a 12‑furlong contest on fast ground, you’d have to hold him back because his best gear is tuned for ten furlongs. Ballydoyle completely mis‑read the tactics, and the result reflected that mistake." He continued, "I don’t think this year’s configuration will mirror last year’s.
With the Action and Lambourn sections coming into play, the race will become a genuine test for both Minnie Hauk and Benvenuto Cellini. Whether that benefits Calandagan is still up in the air, but I have a lingering suspicion that a sustained 12‑furlong gallop could force him out of his optimal gear and expose a weakness." Nevertheless, the analyst conceded that Calandagan remains the standout in the lineup. "He’s older, stronger, and has shown he’s still top‑class this season, even if that might be a touch of over‑praise after his lackluster run at Epsom earlier in the year," he added. The show also reminded viewers that they can stay up‑to‑date with the latest racing news, interviews, and feature stories via their mobile devices, encouraging fans to subscribe for instant alerts.
When the conversation turned to the Japanese challenger, the tone shifted. "Calandagan’s effort in the Japan Cup was massive – he traveled to the opponent’s backyard and gave them a real run for their money. You can make a compelling case for either him or Masquerade Ball on Saturday, but at the odds I’m seeing, I’m leaning toward Masquerade Ball," the commentator said, hinting at a potential betting edge.
The broadcast then segued into a series of promotional teasers: Hollie Doyle’s anticipation of Thunder Call’s role in the Shergar Cup at Ascot, Kevin Doyle’s transition from Premier League striker to Cheltenham Festival hopeful with horses like Augusta Kate and La Bague Au Roi, and a reminder that Ryan Moore has been awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours. A brief recap highlighted Kalpana’s recent victory over Calandagan in a separate King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes clash, while also noting Benvenuto Cellini’s leadership of O’Brien’s four‑horse contingent for the Epsom Classic. Returning to Masquerade Ball, the panel discussed the horse’s condition after a media day in Newmarket. "He was carrying a bit more weight that day, but he’s a younger horse who’s maturing nicely.
The track is uncharted territory for the Japanese runner – how did he handle the travel? Both Japanese horses looked healthy at media day, and their trainer was clearly excited about the British campaign," one analyst observed.
Betting odds were also examined. "Yesterday I was seeing the market at around 9/2 for Calandagan, but I’d only go as short as 7/2. The horse has made me look foolish at times because the ground and track suit him perfectly.
If I can get 4/1 on Masquerade Ball, I’ll take it," the commentator concluded. The segment wrapped up by inviting viewers to watch the full Weekend Winners episode on the At The Races YouTube channel, promising a deep dive into the tactics, form lines, and behind‑the‑scenes stories that will shape one of the most prestigious mid‑season races on the British calendar.