Sky Sports Racing ambassador Hollie Doyle shares her perspective on the upcoming King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot this Saturday, while also reviewing the standout performances from the weekend’s meetings at Ascot and York. She confesses that Japan holds a special place in her heart after three winters of riding in Tokyo, and she is eager to see the Japanese contender Masquerade Ball make a splash in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (3.35) at Ascot. The colt, trained by Takahisa Tezuka, still carries a chip on his shoulder after narrowly missing out on victory in the Japan Cup last November, where he was edged out right at the wire by the formidable Calandagan. Since that disappointment, Masquerade Ball has shown resilience.
He produced a gallant effort in Hong Kong’s QEII Cup, finishing a close second to the locally‑trained Romantic Warrior. Meanwhile, Calandagan has continued to add to his impressive résumé, picking up wins in the Sheema Classic and the Grand Prix de Saint‑Cloud, confirming his status as a world‑class middle‑distance performer. Doyle believes the race will be a genuine thriller. Aidan O'Brien’s Irish Derby winner Benvenuto Cellini will be carrying a significant weight penalty, which could open a window for the Japanese horse.
At just a year younger than Calandagan, Masquerade Ball still has room to improve and could seize the chance for a historic Japanese triumph, provided he can handle the uphill finish at Ascot without fading. The programme also features a promising two‑year‑old filly, Moonrise, who will contest the Group 3 Princess Margaret Japan Cup Stakes (1.45) at Ascot.
Moonrise, owned by Andrew Balding and out of the mare Churchill, stepped up in class with a narrow third place in the Windsor Castle Stakes at the Royal Meeting. Her combination of a calm temperament and solid form on the track makes her a contender worth watching.
Richard Hannon’s filly Dark Issue, who was fourth in the Group 3 Albany Stakes at York last month, also appears in the mix. Although the runner‑up Sun Goddess has since captured a Group 2 in Ireland for Aidan O'Brien, Oisin Murphy’s Dark Issue offers attractive odds and could prove to be a better‑priced option. In other news, Doyle hints that Thunder Call may play a role in the Shergar Cup at Ascot, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing on Saturday.
The Shergar Cup will see five horses selected by Jamie Lynch take on an international field, providing a showcase of global talent. Kevin Doyle, a former Premier League striker turned jockey, is targeting Cheltenham Festival glory with his mounts 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, a battle that could reshape the middle‑distance hierarchy for the season. Meanwhile, legendary jockey Ryan Moore has been honoured with an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours, recognising his contributions to the sport.
Turning to the Derby, Aidan O'Brien will field a four‑horse team led by Benvenuto Cellini, aiming to secure another classic victory at Epsom. Owen Burrows’ filly Touleen was unlucky in the Coronation Stakes when she was forced to split two Guineas winners, despite navigating a difficult passage. She is now tipped as a strong favourite for the Group 3 Longines Valiant Stakes (2.20) under William Buick.
However, Doyle leans toward Jane Chapple‑Hyam’s KON TIKI, with Ryan Moore booked as the rider, as a compelling alternative. Touleen’s prospects remain bright. She has shown an ability to improve and should find the Group 2 Duke of Cambridge Stakes less demanding after a solid performance chasing home Blue Bolt for the second time this year. Doyle’s husband, Tom Marquand, backs the unbeaten EXTREMELY ZAIN in the Moët & Chandon International Handicap (2.55) at Ascot.
The colt, after a lackluster run in a hot handicap at York, rebounded with an impressive win under Cieren Fallon and appears ready to take on an eight‑pound penalty from a decent draw. Nevertheless, the race will be tough, and Doyle also highlights Jack Channon’s Mezcala, a Buckingham Palace winner who has returned after a spell and could still deliver despite a higher weight of 98.
The Sky Bet York Stakes (2.35) at York has attracted only five runners, but the field is of high quality, led by the globetrotting veteran ROYAL CHAMPION. Trained by Karl Burke, the eight‑year‑old has been given a well‑earned break since his victory in the Neom Turf Cup in Saudi Arabia and a fourth‑place finish behind Romantic Warrior and Masquerade Ball in Hong Kong. Royal Champion is a tough, resilient horse who often finds his best form when fresh, and he may have less to prove than Dante winner Item, who struggled with ground conditions in the Epsom Derby and now needs a decisive step forward to secure a Group 2 win.
In the Sky Bet Dash Handicap (2.00) at York, the race looks wide open. Doyle opts for value in Kevin Ryan’s locally trained WE NEVER STOP, a six‑furlong specialist who is likely to be priced attractively and could surprise the field.
The latest horse racing news, interviews, and features are available on Sky Sports Racing, ensuring fans stay up‑to‑date with every development. After undergoing wind‑surgery, a horse is making its second start and hopes to build on a close second at Chester last month.
The trainer, known for his success at The Knavesmire, believes the horse will continue to progress. Addison Grey was expected to win after a strong performance chasing home Double Rush at Newmarket, but Clive Cox’s grey has not capitalised in his two subsequent runs.
With an unchanged rating of 94, he should remain in contention. Doyle also updates on her personal recovery. Since receiving clearance to bear weight on her broken left leg, she has intensified her rehabilitation at Oaksey House in Lambourn. She trains five days a week under a dedicated team, combining gym work, cycling, and hydro‑pool sessions to regain mobility.
The injury, sustained in a fall at Bath in May, will require a long road to full fitness, but she is encouraged by the progress she is making and looks forward to returning to the saddle soon.