Steve Ryder takes his ante-post position for the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes on Saturday 26th July at Ascot.
King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes
Described as Britain’s most prestigious open-age flat race, the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes was established in 1951 and often pitches Epsom Derby winners against their elders.
There are currently 17 entries for the race with Aidan O’Brien currently holding seven of those including with Derby winner Lambourn and Oaks winner Minnie Hauk, albeit that both of those are currently rated as unlikely runners.
King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes Winners & Trends
Enable won this race three times in 2017, 2018 and 2020 and interestingly is one of the previous three winners from the classic generation to have either won the Oaks or Derby prior to winning this race proving that you need to be one of the best of your generation to win this race.
- 12 of the previous 12 winners had won the trip of 1m4f
- 10 of the previous 12 winners were rated 118 or higher
- 10 of the previous 12 winners had already won a Group 1 race
- Nine of the previous 12 winners were aged four or older
- Seven of the previous 12 winners were last time out winners
Betfred
- Huge range of regular promotions
- 24/7 live chat service
- PickYourPunt builder for custom bets
King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes Runners Guide
Calandagan
Has yet to finish out of the top 3 in his 11 race career to date. Gained his first Group 1 victory in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud last time beating Aventure by 3 ½ lengths. Had previously finished 2nd beaten half a length behind Jan Brueghel in the Coronation Cup at Epsom.
He won the Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes over this course and distance last season before finishing 2nd in the Champion Stakes on his only other start at the track. Francis- Henri Graffard won this race last season with Goliath and his representative this year should hold strong claims.
Jan Brueghel
Last year’s St Leger winner who lost his unbeaten record on his reappearance this season when 2nd in the Group 3 Alleged Stakes. Bounced back to win the Group 1 Coronation Cup beating Calandagan by half a length at Epsom last time and that form has been boosted with the runner-up winning the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud on his next start. He appears to be the first choice from the Aidan O’Brien stable who last won this with Highland Reel in 2016 under Ryan Moore.
Kalpana
Won over this course and distance last season in the Group 1 Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes on soft ground but missed Royal Ascot due to the fast ground.
She finished 3rd beaten only 1 ½ lengths in the Tattersalls Gold Cup on her reappearance before finishing 2nd beaten 1 ¼ lengths behind Whirl in the Pretty Polly Stakes last time. This step back up in trip to 1m4f should suit her well back at this track.
Skybet
- 24/7 live chat support
- Some of the best price boosts in the market
- Intuitive user experience
Rebel’s Romance
Seven-year-old who has won £10.8 million in prize money with a record of 18 victories from 26 starts. Could only finish 3rd in this race last season but was better than ever winning the Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot last time. Prolific winner who cannot be ruled out back up to Group 1 level.
Amiloc
Unbeaten Ralph Beckett trained gelding who won the Group 2 King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot over this course and distance. He had previously looked outpaced over 1m3f at Goodwood in the listed Cocked Hat Stakes before idling late on last time.
A rating of 112 means he will need to step forward on his first start at Group 1 level but he will be in receipt of a handy weight-for-age allowance.
King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes Trainers & Jockeys To Watch
John Gosden has won this race five times since 2011 with Nathaniel (2011), Taghrooda (2014) and Enable (2017, 2019 & 2020) all winning for the trainer. Aidan O’Brien has won the race four times since 2001 with Galileo (2001), Dylan Thomas (2007), Duke Of Marmalade (2008) and Highland Reel (2016).
Christophe Soumillion (Hurricane Run in 2006 and Goliath last year), William Buick (Nathaniel in 2011 and Adayar in 2021) and Ryan Moore (Conduit in 2009 and Highland Reel in 2016) have all won this race twice recently.
King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes Tips
This looks a strong renewal of the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes this year with Jan Brueghel, Rebel’s Romance and CALANDAGAN (best priced at 9/4) all hitting the main five trends highlighted.
Francis-Henri Graffard won this race last season with Goliath and he runs Calandagan this year who has a good record at Ascot. An impressive winner of the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot last season on good to firm ground, he finished 2nd dropped to 1m2f on his next two starts behind City Of Troy and Anmaat.
Calandagan didn’t appear to be in love with the track at Epsom when 2nd behind Jan Brueghel and he is expected to reverse that form back at Ascot.
He gained his first Group 1 success in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud last time beating Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe runner-up Aventure by 3 ½ lengths in impressive style. This return to faster ground will be no inconvenience to the son of Gleneagles and he looks the one to beat.
