The upcoming King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot promises a dazzling showdown, with Calandagan, Masquerade Ball and a Ballydoyle quartet taking centre stage in a live broadcast on Sky Sports Racing. This Group 1 classic has been refreshed for another spectacular edition, featuring a nine‑horse field anchored by last year’s champion, Calandagan. Calandagan, the star of Francis‑Henri Graffard’s stable, concluded the previous season as the world’s top‑rated racehorse and has continued a similar trajectory this year. After securing a victory in the Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan, the horse suffered a defeat on soft ground at Epsom, only to rebound spectacularly by winning the Grand Prix de Saint‑Cloud.
That triumph marked his sixth top‑level win and underscored the high standards he maintains under the guidance of jockey Mickael Barzalona. Japan’s own Masquerage Ball, a recent Tenno Sho winner, finished a head behind Calandagan in the Japan Cup last November and then posted a solid second place behind Romantic Warrior in Hong Kong over ten furlongs.
The extra distance at Ascot should suit him well, although there are lingering questions about his adaptability to the course. Nevertheless, Japanese connections are confident that Masquerade Ball could finally break the nation’s long‑standing “King George hoodoo” and deliver a historic victory.
The field also includes the closely matched pair Kalpana and Goliath, both of whom have shown promise in their Hardwicke‑placed performances. Aidan O'Brien contributes four runners, highlighted by Benvenuto Cellini, the recent Irish Derby winner. Benvenuto Cellini will be stepping up to face older horses for the first time, and the decision to enlist veteran jockey Ryan Moore could prove decisive. Among the other notable entries, Mezcala and Extremely Zain are set to contest the Moët & Chandon International Handicap at 2:55 pm.
Extremely Zain arrives unbeaten in three starts, having demonstrated Group‑class potential when comfortably beating a 93‑pound mark at York. The handicapper has responded with an eight‑pound increase, suggesting this may be his final run under handicap conditions.
He will break from stall eight with Tom Marquand aboard, who replaces Cieren Fallon for this race. Additional storylines include Hollie Doyle’s Thunder Call, expected to feature prominently in the Shergar Cup at Ascot, also televised live on Sky Sports Racing. Jamie Lynch will field five horses in the Shergar Cup, pitting international stars against one another in a highly anticipated contest. Former Premier League striker Kevin Doyle is now pursuing success at the Cheltenham Festival with his horses Augusta Kate and La Bague Au Roi, highlighting the cross‑sport appeal of the racing calendar.
In a dramatic turn, Kalpana is slated to defeat Calandagan in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, a result that would shake up the betting markets and underline the unpredictable nature of the race. Legendary jockey Ryan Moore, recently honoured with an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours, will be riding Benvenuto Cellini, adding further prestige to the event. Jack Channon’s Mezcala, who captured the Spring Mile earlier in the season and displayed a sharp turn of foot to win the Buckingham Palace Stakes on his last start, will start from stall 13 with George Bass in the saddle.
Completely Random, who narrowly missed out over six furlongs at Wokingham, looks poised to improve over the longer distance, especially with the notable booking of Ryan Moore. Back In Black and Aalto round out a long shortlist, with Aalto effectively carrying three pounds less after a Bunbury Cup victory. Amazing Journey also steps up in trip after dominating a Class 3 handicap at Ascot, suggesting she could be a serious contender. The Group 3 Valiant Stakes has assembled an excellent field, with particular attention on Touleen, who drops in class and may seize the opportunity to shine.
Owen Burrows’ three‑year‑old, a fast‑finishing runner‑up in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot, will take on older horses for the first time, now partnered with William Buick after Saffie Osborne’s replacement. Rated seven pounds higher on official ratings, she should prove difficult to beat if she receives a clear run. Skydance, who last beat future Oaks winner Thundering On in a maiden at Leopardstown, remains a classy filly with the potential for further improvement, though a layoff could be a minor concern.
Kon Tiki, after posting a career‑best fourth place behind Blue Bolt in the Duke of Cambridge Stakes at the Royal meeting, deserves respect at this level. Sukanya and Esna are rated as each‑way prospects, offering value for bettors seeking longer odds. The day also features the Group 3 Princess Margaret Japan Cup Stakes at 1:45 pm, where Dark Issue and Alta Regina lead the betting for a high‑quality renewal of this fillies’ contest.
Moonrise, who narrowly missed a win in the Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot, is also worth considering for trainer Oisin Murphy and owner Andrew Balding. Later, the 4:45 pm Betfred Handicap will see Blue RC, Urban Lion and Crown Board line up, with Asmen Warrior also in contention for trainer James Owen’s stable.
Beyond Ascot, Chester will host action with Sea Idol as the standout among six runners in the IRE Incentive, It Pays To Buy Irish Maiden Stakes at 3:10 pm. The highlight of the Chester card is the 3:48 pm Wilson Family Handicap, where the Wathnan‑owned Postmodern is fancied to challenge for the Hamad Al Jehani.
At Lingfield, Charlie Appleby will field the Godolphin‑owned Catching Dreams in the RJB Agri EBF Novice Stakes at 7:00 pm. This promising colt could make a strong debut for a stable that has been on a roll this season, adding another layer of intrigue to an already packed racing programme.