Ten remain entered in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot on Saturday in what looks set to be an unmissable event.
Last year’s renewal saw Calandagan gamely mow down Kalpana, reversing the Coronation Cup form with Jan Brueghel. The Gleneagles gelding subsequently beat Ombudsman on Champions Day, before further Group 1 prizes in Japan and Meydan. Deteriorating ground saw him beaten lengths at Epsom, and he got back on track in the Grand Prix de-Saint-Cloud.
Francis Graffard also pitches in Goliath, who won the race in 2024. He hasn’t quite hit the same heights since, albeit he took the Group 1 Grosser Preis von Baden last September. Goliath looked to be coming with a winning run in the Hardwicke, but Soumillon lost his irons late on. On his best form, he’s certainly capable of being in the shake up.
Kalpana bids to go one better than last year and arrives on the back of her Hardwicke Stakes second. That was her fourth second-placed effort in Group company, and there’s little to suggest she can conjure up something extra.
George Scott’s Bay City Roller produced a tremendous display in the Coronation Cup, beating Jan Brueghel by 10 lengths. He’s long threatened to land a coveted prize, but the general consensus is he needs soft ground to thrive. With another dry, warm week forecast, it would be a surprise to see him replicate that performance.
The race has attracted further international interest, as Masquerade Ball is one of two Japanese contenders. The smart Duramente colt was last seen finishing second to Romantic Warrior in the QEII Cup at Sha Tin. Prior to that, he was beaten a head by Calandagan in the Japan Cup. His form stacks up strongly in the context of this race, and he could be a live challenger.
The improving Wurttemberg is the other Japanese challenger, who produced a clear career best last time out. Despite being sent off at triple figure odds, he was a nose second to Croix Du Nord, who beat Masquerade Ball last season. Oisin Murphy has been booked to ride and he adds further intrigue.
Aidan O’Brien has confirmed a quartet of entries, including Benvenuto Cellini. The Chester Vase winner was the subject of controversy, when deemed a non-runner in the Epsom Derby. He swiftly put that behind him, as he landed the Irish Derby in good style.
Former Derby winner Lambourn is also entered, but he’s yet to scale the heights of his early three-year-old campaign. Similar thoughts apply to Minnie Hauk, who was well beaten in the Tattersall’s Gold Cup. That said, she was back on track when second to Ombudsman at Royal Ascot, reversing the Arc form with Daryz.
Action completes the quartet, but his sole success remains a Galway Maiden.