Calandagan headlines a stellar nine-runner field for the Group 1 King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot, live on Sky Sports Racing, as Francis-Henri Graffard’s stable star attempts to build on a globetrotting campaign that established him as the world’s best racehorse last season. According to race previews, last year’s winner enters the midsummer showcase following a victory in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud, setting a high standard under jockey Mickael Barzalona.
King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes Contenders
Francis-Henri Graffard trains Calandagan, who has claimed six top-level successes and maintained momentum this year by claiming the Dubai Sheema Classic in Meydan, according to racing analysts. Despite a subsequent defeat on soft ground at Epsom, the star bounced back in France to secure the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud.
Japan’s hopes rest on Masquerade Ball in his quest to break a historical King George hoodoo for Japanese runners. Masquerade Ball finished just a head behind Calandagan in the Japan Cup last November and returned with a solid second behind Romantic Warrior over 10 furlongs in Hong Kong, according to race reports. While questions remain regarding his suitability for the Ascot track, connections expect the extra distance to suit the contender.
Aidan O’Brien fields a quartet at Ascot, headlined by Benvenuto Cellini. The Irish Derby winner tackles his elders for the first time, with jockey Ryan Moore booked for the ride, according to stable declarations. Meanwhile, Kalpana and Goliath match up closely following their respective placed efforts in the Hardwicke.
Moet & Chandon International Handicap Analysis
A field of 17 runners heads to post for the valuable Moet & Chandon International Handicap at 2:55 PM, featuring progressive contenders Mezcala and Extremely Zain, according to racecards. Trainer Jack Channon sends out Mezcala, who secured the Spring Mile earlier in the season before displaying a strong turn of foot to claim the Buckingham Palace Stakes.
Extremely Zain puts an unbeaten three-race record on the line after readily defying a mark of 93 at York, prompting an 8lb rise from the handicapper. Jockey Tom Marquand takes the ride from stall eight, with connections indicating this outing will likely mark the horse’s final start in handicap company. Completely Random brings strong claims after narrowly missing out in the Wokingham over six furlongs at the Berkshire track, picking up an extra furlong here with Ryan Moore taking the mount.
Valiant Stakes and Supporting Ascot Card
Touleen heads the market for the Group 3 Valiant Stakes at 2:20 PM, dropping in class after finishing as a fast-finishing runner-up in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot. Trainer Owen Burrows saddles the three-year-old, who holds a 7lb advantage on official ratings as she takes on her elders for the first time with William Buick replacing Saffie Osborne in the saddle, according to stable updates.
Skydance contests the race following a maiden victory at Leopardstown over subsequent Oaks heroine Thundering On, though a layoff presents a minor query for the classy filly. Kon Tiki arrives after producing a career-best fourth-place finish behind Blue Bolt in the Duke Of Cambridge at the Royal meeting, rounding out a competitive renewal.
Ascot’s card also features the Group 3 Princess Margaret Japan Cup Stakes at 1:45 PM, where Dark Issue and Alta Regina top the betting for the fillies’ contest. Moonrise enters calculations for the Oisin Murphy and Andrew Balding team after unlucky circumstances prevented a victory in the Windsor Castle at Royal Ascot.
Related reading