The King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot features a competitive renewal headlined by Calandagan, who won the race the previous year. The Francis-Henri Graffard-trained horse finished last season as the world’s top-ranked racehorse and has maintained that form. His campaign included a victory in the Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan, a defeat on soft ground at Epsom, and a win in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud, marking his sixth Group 1 success.
Masquerade Ball represents Japan’s challenge for the Group 1 prize. The horse finished just a head behind Calandagan in the Japan Cup in November and most recently produced a second-place effort behind Romantic Warrior in Hong Kong. The extra distance of the King George is expected to suit Masquerade Ball, though questions persist about his compatibility with the track.
Aidan O’Brien contributes four runners to the nine-horse field, led by Benvenuto Cellini, who won the Irish Derby in his most recent start. The booking of Ryan Moore as his jockey suggests confidence in the horse as he faces older horses for the first time. Kalpana and Goliath are closely matched on their Hardwicke Stakes placings.
The card also features the Moet & Chandon International Handicap with a field of 17 runners. Extremely Zain arrives unbeaten in three starts and was recently successful at York under a rating of 93, earning an 8lb penalty from the handicapper. Mezcala, winner of the Spring Mile earlier in the season and the Buckingham Palace Stakes previously, represents strong credentials in the handicap. Additional races include the Group 3 Valiant Stakes headlined by Touleen, who steps down in class after finishing second in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot.
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