Masquerade Ball to fly the flag for Japan in King George

Calandagan and Masquerade Ball are in line for a rematch in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot in a race that could be packed with international intrigue.

Masquerade Ball won the Group One Tenno Sho (Autumn) before the pair met in the Japan Cup last season, with Francis-Henri Graffard’s defending King George champion prevailing by a head, and although Calandagan was well beaten in the Coronation Cup at the weekend the ground was far from ideal for him.

The race has been a long-term target for Masquerade Ball, who returned to action in the QEII Cup at Sha Tin in April where he found only the multiple Group One-winning Romantic Warrior too good.

Masquerade Ball’s trainer Takahisa Tezuka said: “We started discussing about an international campaign for Masquerade Ball after he won the Tenno Sho Autumn, when I got the impression that this horse could be competitive on the world stage.

“His owners, Shadai Race Horse, have been very keen to send him to the King George and we agreed it should be the target for Masquerade Ball.

“This race holds great significance for the owner, and we made our decision with that in mind. As a prestigious race for older horses in the UK, it provides an excellent opportunity and serves as a favourable alternative to competing in Japan during the hot season.

“This is the first time I will have a runner at Ascot, which is the royal track, and I am very excited and honoured. The shipping, which takes 48 hours from door to door, will be a big challenge but I believe Masquerade Ball is a horse worthy of representing Japan.”

Masquerade Ball is set to be joined by fellow Japanese raider Wurrtemberg – for whom Oisin Murphy has been booked – while Graffard has also entered 2024 winner Goliath and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe hero Daryz among the 37 possibles at the early-closing stage.

Best Secret for Stephane Wattel and Caulificar for Andre Fabre may also fly the flag for France.

The first three home in the Derby – Christmas Day, Maltese Cross and James J Braddock – are among the British and Irish challenge with Joseph O’Brien also entering his Oaks heroine Thundering On and runaway Coronation Cup winner Bay City Roller representing George Scott.

As well as Christmas Day, Aidan O’Brien has Benvenuto Cellini, Constitution River and Minnie Hauk among his 11 contenders.