Calandagan is favored to defend his King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes title at Ascot on Saturday, aiming to become only the second horse this century, after Enable, to win consecutive renewals of the prestigious race. Trained by Francis-Henri Graffard, the French superstar has demonstrated a strong affinity for Ascot, winning three of his four visits at the course, including last year’s King George. His only defeat there came on testing ground in the 2024 Champion Stakes, a track condition he notably struggles with.

After a rare poor performance on soft ground in the Coronation Cup at Epsom last month, Graffard acknowledged an error in running Calandagan on unsuitable ground conditions. The horse bounced back impressively at Saint-Cloud with a smooth win in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud, showing no ill effects from his previous effort. The conditions at Ascot are expected to be much firmer, suiting Calandagan’s preferred running style and sharp finishing speed.

Among the contenders, Masquerade Ball, a top Japanese challenger, is considered Calandagan's main threat. The two last met in the Japan Cup, where Calandagan narrowly prevailed by a head. Masquerade Ball followed that performance with a strong runner-up finish to Hong Kong star Romantic Warrior at Sha Tin in April, adding further intrigue to the international dimension of the race. Another Japanese entry, Wurttenberg, also adds depth to the field but is seen as less likely to challenge the favorite.

Representing the Aidan O’Brien stable, Benvenuto Cellini and Minnie Hauk join the line-up. Benvenuto Cellini, who had an unusual incident at the starting stalls during the Derby resulting in a controversial non-runner declaration, rebounded to win the Irish Derby. However, he faces formidable older horses and must improve to contend for the top prize, particularly as O’Brien’s stable is currently experiencing a quieter period. Minnie Hauk, second in last year’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, remains a solid competitor, while O’Brien also fields last year’s Derby winner Lambourn and Dante Stakes runner-up Action, both noted for their front-running styles.

Completing the strong field is Calandagan’s stablemate Goliath, the 2024 King George winner, who was an unlucky third in the Hardwicke Stakes at this year’s Royal Ascot meeting.

All eyes will be on Calandagan to see if he can confirm his status as one of the leading middle-distance horses by securing a second King George victory and pushing his career earnings beyond the £10 million mark.