Benvenuto Cellini Seeks to Confirm His Rise in a High-Voltage King George

The recent winner of the Irish Derby will lead Aidan O'Brien's formidable squad against race favorite Calandagan, defending champion Goliath, Japanese contender Masquerade Ball, and the ever-dangerous Kalpana. In addition, the victor will secure a direct berth into the Breeders' Cup Turf

NEWMARKET, England (Special for Turf Diario).- Everything is set for a new renewal of the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (G1), one of the most prestigious contests on the European racing calendar, which this Saturday brings together a field of immense quality at Ascot featuring proven champions, rising stars, and an extra prize of tremendous value: a direct entry into the Breeders' Cup Turf (G1) through the Win and You're In challenge series.

Trainer Aidan O'Brien will saddle four runners, led by the improving Benvenuto Cellini (Frankel), recent winner of the Irish Derby (G1), who is now called upon to prove that he unequivocally belongs in the elite rank of European middle-distance horses.

With Ryan Moore back in the irons, the son of Frankel will attempt to become just the third 3-year-old to win the King George in the past decade, a feat previously achieved only by Enable (Nathaniel) in 2017 and Adayar (Frankel) in 2021.

His campaign could have taken a very different path weeks ago, when he was scratched at the gate in the Epsom Derby (G1) following a starting stall incident that sparked widespread debate. Redemption came quickly at The Curragh, and he now faces a fresh opportunity to showcase his talent against the top older horses in Europe.

Another prime contender for Ballydoyle is Minnie Hauk (Frankel), with Wayne Lordan aboard. The mare comes off a second-place finish behind Ombudsman (Night of Thunder) in the Prince of Wales's Stakes (G1) at Royal Ascotand will look to regain the peak form that carried her to victories in the Oaks (G1), Irish Oaks (G1), and Yorkshire Oaks (G1) last season, prior to running second to Daryz (Sea the Stars) in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1).

Also carrying the Coolmore colors are Lambourn (Australia), winner of both the Derby and Irish Derby in 2025, ridden by William Buick, and Action (Frankel), with Sean Levey taking the mount.

Rivaling them is the powerful contingent of French trainer Francis-Henri Graffard, who conditions the last two winners of the race.

The overall favorite is Calandagan (Gleneagles), rated the top horse in the world last season. While he has yet to unleash his absolute best form in 2026, he arrives fresh off a victory in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (G1). Prior to that, he suffered an unexpected defeat in the Coronation Cup (G1) over soft ground, finishing well behind the leaders.

Lining up beside him is defending champion Goliath (Adlerflug), who captured the King George last year before also taking the Grosser Preis von Baden (G1). He ran creditably at Royal Ascot to finish third in the Hardwicke Stakes (G2)—an effort all the more impressive given that Christophe Soumillon lost a stirrup in the closing strides.

Japanese interest once again adds international flair, spearheaded by Masquerade Ball (Duramente), who under Christophe Lemaire will seek revenge against Calandagan after falling short by a mere head in last November's Japan Cup (G1). Fellow Japanese runner Wurttemberg (Kitasan Black), guided by Oisin Murphy, completes the delegation following a narrow runner-up finish in the Tenno Sho (Spring) (G1).

The sole local defender is Kalpana (Study of Man), trained by Andrew Balding. An Ascot specialist who finished second to Calandagan in this very race last year, she recently returned to form by finishing close behind Giavellotto(Mastercraftsman) in the Hardwicke Stakes (G2). She also boasts back-to-back victories in the British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes (G1) over this course.

Featuring a select yet exceptionally deep field, the King George delivers all the ingredients that make it one of the highlights of the European summer season. The blend of seasoned champions, emerging talent, and international challengers guarantees a spectacle of the highest order, with the added incentive of a golden ticket to the Breeders' Cup Turf (G1) at Keeneland later this fall.