For those looking for clues into contests later in the flat season, seek no further than the King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot. The handicap exclusive to three-year-olds is the perfect stepping stone for those developing too late for the Epsom Derby.
With last year’s winner Merchant developing into a Group race hero, there are likely to be some hugely exciting types among this field. GG tipster Joe Napier previews the race, siding with a 20/1 shot.
2026 King George V Stakes Runners
The maximum field of 19 are set for this ever-competitive three-year-old handicap. The Godolphin and Shadwell silks will both be doubly represented. For the former, Into The Light‘s most recent second at Sandown received an almighty boost from the winner in the London Gold Cup, while Guildmaster drops in class at the top of the weights for the Gosdens.
Shadwell have the very well-bred Heyzoom. From the family of Hukum, who won this for trainer Owen Burrows in 2020, he could have the staying power, though his more immediate relatives have struggled beyond 1m2f. He could have plenty of class to defy a relatively lenient handicap mark though. Al Azd could also be in the mix, as he has proven stamina and could leave his last effort over 1m2f behind.
Aidan O’Brien is absent from this year’s running, though son Joseph runs four. Cannes appears the number one on bookings and won well for the first time last out. He was an expensive yearling, while Atomic City and Enceladus have identical form figures hinting at their progression. The latter could prove better suited by the ground.
Dial Me In is the most interesting of all though. His runner-up effort last time out came when conceding 5lb to a much higher-rated stablemate. 1m4f loooks to hold no fears on pedigree.
British trainers have won the last six runnings though and Golden Knight is just as intriguing. Ed Walker sent out 50/1 Queen Anne winner Ten Bob Tony, and his son of Camelot goes right up in distance. He has raced exclusively at 1m so far, but 1m4f should be his distance based on breeding and he ran respectably in a hot Listed race last time. The handicapper was relatively unmoved, giving him every chance here.
Believed and Genchev are others worth a second look for Irish trainers Johnny Murtagh and Ger Lyons respectively, while London Gold Cup third Tierra Del Toro and the maiden Joulany each retain potential for Ralph Beckett. The in-form Arc Ole Ole chases a four-time, so has to be considered too.
2026 King George V Stakes Racecard
15:05 Ascot
Good To FirmKing George V Stakes (Heritage Handicap) (GBBPlus Race)
- First Prize: £61848
- 1m 3f 211y
- Class 2
- 22 runners
Runners: 22 runners
Type: Flat Turf
Surface: Turf
Weather: Sunny
Terms and conditions
*Odds displayed on this page are sourced directly from online bookmakers. Please check all details before placing your bet(s). 18+ only.
Betting Forecast
10/1 Guildmaster, 15/2 Tierra Del Toro, 11/1 Cannes, 33/1 Birgham Dub, 10/1 Al Azd, 8/1 Joulany, 66/1 Amora Queen, 16/1 Atomic City, 20/1 Dial Me In, 12/1 Enceladus, 12/1 Believed, 11/2 Into The Light, 18/1 Golden Knight, 20/1 Waterford Castle, 33/1 Genchev, 12/1 Arc Ole Ole, 13/2 Heyzoom, 25/1 Galilean Quality, 33/1 Blue Hercules, 25/1 Whos Lope, 28/1 Charles Darnay, 20/1 Bnaider
Verdict
Arc Ole Ole needs plenty of respect in his bid to complete a four-timer, despite the 10lb higher mark, and this race has been won from very high draws in the last three renewals. Tierra Del Toro and Into The Light also make appeal with the promise shown last time out in British 1m2f handicaps. Joseph O’Brien may hold the key this time, though, with his batch of unexposed handicap newcomers, of whom the pick may be ENCELADUS ahead of Cannes. They top the list, with slight preference for Enceladus who may well be the one open to the most improvement.[Richard Austen]
King George V Stakes Trends 2026
- Five of the last five winners have emerged from stall 17 or above
- Three of the last four winners have carried 9st or more
- Only two favourites have won in the last ten years
- The last six winners have been British-trained
2026 King George V Stakes Tips
Upped in trip to 1m4f, Golden Knight is particularly interesting for Ed Walker. His form in Listed level over 1m last time was respectable and his pedigree suggests he will be much better suited by this middle distance. He also has a wide draw, which has been favourable in this race of late. All of Joseph O’Brien’s quartet need a second look, with Dial Me In second choice despite seemingly being fourth of four in the betting. Heyzoom is from a very powerful family, though his stamina is a slight concern.
FAQ
When and where is the King George V Stakes?
The King George V Stakes will take place at Ascot racecourse on Thursday 18 June, 2026 at 3.05pm.
How can I watch the King George V Stakes on Thursday?
The King George V Stakes is live on ITV Racing at 3.05pm on Thursday.
When were the King George V Stakes tips published?
The tips for the King George V Stakes were published at 11.45am on Wednesday 17 June.
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