With the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes upon us, Kate Tracey quizzed Declan Rix and Sam Boswell on the massive race on the most recent episode of Weekend Winners.
9 runners are set to line up within the Saturday characteristic general, with final season’s winner Calandagan again to defend his crown – received on the expense of the reopposing Kalpana final time period. Masquerade Ball arrives from Japan additionally seeking to actual revenge on the Aga Khan champion, having been denied by the best margins on dwelling soil within the Japan Cup.
Aidan O’Brien fields 4 runners, headlined by Irish Derby hero Benvenuto Cellini and 2025 Arc runner-up Minnie Hauk, while 2024 King George winner Goliath seeks to win again his crown beneath Christophe Soumillon.
Declan Rix:
“Last year’s race was run to suit Calandagan – if you were ever going to set up a 12-furlong race on fast ground for him, you’re going to go no gallop because this lad has 10-furlong top class gears. I couldn’t believe how badly Ballydoyle got the tactics wrong.
“I do not suppose this yr’s race will arrange like that, with Motion and Lambourn going ahead to show this into a correct take a look at for Minnie Hauk and Benvenuto Cellini. Whether or not that fits Calandagan as effectively, I’ve simply acquired that little factor at the back of my thoughts {that a} 12-furlong sturdy run end-to-end gallop may drag the category and alter of drugs out of him.
“However, he is the best horse in here. He’s older, stronger and just as good this season – though that’s maybe over-egging the pudding as he had that poor run at Epsom earlier this season.”
Sam Boswell:
“It was an enormous effort from Calandagan to enter the opposition’s again yard and do it [in the Japan Cup]. You may make sturdy instances for both him or Masquerade Ball [on Saturday] however on the costs I’ll lean in the direction of Masquerade Ball.
“He was getting a little bit of weight that day however was the youthful horse who has aged up a bit of bit. The observe is the unknown for the Japanese horse, is not it? How has he travelled over? There was a media day in Newmarket on Wednesday and each Japanese horses regarded effectively, with the coach so enthused about being right here.
“When I was looking at this yesterday, we were getting a bit of 9/2 – 7/2 is as short as I’d want to go. Calandagan has made me look silly throughout the course of this show, we know the ground and track are perfect for him. However, if I can get 4/1 about Masquerade Ball I’ll be taking him on.”
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