Calandagan and Jan Brueghel Set for King George Showdown at Ascot
The renowned King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes takes center stage at Ascot on July 29, 2023, showcasing a thrilling lineup of equine talent. The race, set for 16:10, features strong contenders, including the rising star Calandagan and the established performer Jan Brueghel, both eager to assert their dominance in this prestigious event.
Calandagan, trained by Francis-Henri Graffard, recently achieved his first Group 1 victory at the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud, displaying a remarkable turn of speed to outpace Aventure. This impressive win positions him as a strong challenger who aims to overturn his previous Epsom results against Jan Brueghel. The latter, a product of the legendary Galileo, has only suffered one defeat throughout his career and will be equipped with first-time cheekpieces as he seeks to follow up his success in the Coronation Cup.
Aidan O’Brien, the trainer behind Jan Brueghel, has a storied history in this race, having secured victory four times, including with the iconic Galileo in 2001. Jan Brueghel will be looking to add to that legacy with a strong performance at Ascot.
In addition to these leading horses, the race features Kalpana, who won the Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes at Ascot last October and aims to regain her form after a strong showing in Ireland. Rebel’s Romance, fresh off a commanding victory in the Hardwicke Stakes, is another horse to watch, as he has the potential to challenge for top honors. Continuous, likely serving as a pacemaker for Jan Brueghel, completes the competitive field.
Another highlight on the Ascot card is the Moet & Chandon International Handicap at 15:00, featuring a robust field of 22 runners. Aalto and Billyjoh are among the top contenders, with Aalto coming off a strong second-place finish in the Bunbury Cup, and Billyjoh having previously finished third in this race last year. The race promises to be fiercely contested, with last year’s winner Northern Express and Sandown victor Classic also in the mix.
The Longines Valiant Stakes at 14:20 adds further excitement to the day, showcasing horses like Royal Dress and Chantilly Lace. Royal Dress, under the guidance of James Tate, recently excelled in the Listed Pipalong Stakes, while the John and Thady Gosden-trained Cajole aims to build on her solid performances at Royal Ascot and Sandown. Ralph Beckett’s Chantilly Lace, having shown promise in previous Group races, will be looking to capitalize on the drop in class.
Earlier in the day, the British EBF Crocker Bulteel ‘Confined’ Maiden Stakes at 13:10 features Godolphin’s Harbor Lock, a half-brother to the 2022 Pretty Polly winner With The Moonlight. The 1:40 Princess Margaret Stakes is another anticipated contest, with George Scott’s Staya and Charlie Appleby’s Dance To The Music as notable participants.
As the racing action unfolds at Ascot, the Betfred Handicap at 15:35 will see William Haggas‘ Bullet Point attempt to regain form against formidable rivals like Teroomm and Fearnot. Meanwhile, in Chester, Miraculous will be vying for another victory in the Birra Moretti Handicap at 15:15.
Evening racing at Windsor features the Get Raceday Ready Handicap at 20:15, with Novamay aiming for a hat-trick under the watchful eye of Michael Dods. The excitement extends beyond the UK, as the Grade 1 Bing Crosby Stakes at Del Mar and the Jim Dandy Stakes at Saratoga, featuring Horse of the Year contender Sovereignty, promise thrilling moments across the Atlantic.
Fans can catch all the action live on Sky Sports Racing, ensuring that every twist and turn of this exhilarating day of racing is available to view.
