Today on Sky Sports Racing: Calandagan and Star King George’s Masquerade Ball headline from Ascot | Racing news

Calandagan, a masquerade ball and the Ballydoyle quartet headline the glittering renewal of the King George from Ascot – live on Sky Sports Racing.

3.35 Ascot – Calandagan and masquerade ball among the vintage field

Hot update of this group 1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes see last year’s winner Kalandagan header field of nine.

The star of the Francis-Henri Grafard stable finished last season as the best racehorse in the world and followed the same path in this one. After winning the Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan, he was beaten on soft ground at Epsom before bouncing back to claim the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud. It was the sixth top-flight success and it sets the bar high under Michael Barzalona.

Last year’s leading scorer is Teno Shaw Masquerade ball was just a head short of Kalandagan in the Japan Cup in November and came back a solid second behind Romantic Warrior in the Hong Kong. It was over 10 furlongs and he would appreciate the extra distance. Doubts remain about his track fitness, but there is no doubt that he is a top class operator and Japan will have high hopes that he will be the one to finally put an end to their King George.

Kalpana and Goliath very close in their efforts to Hardwick, while Aidan O’Brien saddles four runners, headline Welcome Cellini. An Irish Derby winner on his last outing, he should have more to offer when he takes on the seniors for the first time, with Ryan Moore’s warning potentially telling.

2.55 Ascot – Progressive Mezcala and Extremely Zain liked it

Mezcala and Extremely Zain are featured in the field of 17 for this value Moet & Chandon International Handicap at 14.55.

Extremely Zain arrives unbeaten in three starts, looking the group’s horse in the making when willingly challenging the mark of 93 at York. The handicapper responded with a rise of 8lb, but this is likely to be his last handicap start and he has options from stall 8 under Tom Marquand, who replaces Siren Fallon in the plate.

Jack Channon Mix it up took the Spring Mile earlier in the season and showed a good turn of foot to take the Buckingham Palace Stakes on his last start. He makes an obvious appeal from stall 13 with George Bass in the saddle.

Completely by chance he was just denied at Wokingham over six furlongs here last time and looks the type to improve that extra furlong with Ryan Moore given a prominent booking.

Back in black and Aalta to complete a long shortlist, with the latter effectively 3lb after winning the Bunbury Cup on the final day. The same can be said about An amazing journeywho steps up in trip after taking top honors in a Grade 3 handicap at Ascot when last seen.

2.20 Ascot v Thulin is a hot favorite for Owen Burrows’ team

An excellent field has been assembled for this group of 3 Valiant betswhere all eyes will be directed Tulin when she walks into the classroom.

Owen Burroughs’ three-year-old was unlucky on the run when she finished second in a quick second in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot to meet the seniors for the first time with William Buick replacing Sophie Osborne. She is 7lb in the official ratings and will be hard to beat if she gets a clear pass.

Skydance last seen beating the next Oaks heroine, Thunder Na, in a maiden at Leopardstown, this classy filly is still capable of her best, with the layoff the only slight concern.

Kon Tiki produced a career best when fourth to Blue Bolt in the Duke of Cambridge’s strong Royals at the Royal Meeting and must be respected to that extent.

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The best of the rest

Ascot also hosts a Group 3 Princess Margaret Japan Cup betting at 13.45, p A dark problem and High Queen to the head of the bookmaker for the cool restoration of this filly contest. Moonrise she was unlucky not to get a head at Windsor Castle at Royal Ascot and is also worthy of attention from the team of Oisin Murphy and Andrew Balding.

Blue RC, City Lion and Crown board everyone gets in line by 4:45 p.m Betfred Handicapwith Osmen Warrior also claims James Owen’s team.

Elsewhere, Chester is running a campaign with Sea idol a selection of six runners assembled for IRE promotion, it pays to buy Irish Maiden shares (15.10). The function on the card is 15.48 Handicaps of the Wilson familyof Wathnan property Postmodern wanted to get closer to Hamad Al-Jehani.

At Lingfield, Charlie Appleby runs the Godolphin-owned company Catching dreams in RJB Agri EBF Beginners Bets (19.00). This debut colt could be good for a stable song.