King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes Picks — Betting Preview and Predictions (Jul 26)

The standout race on the European horse racing calendar is set for Ascot on July 26, as a high-quality field will be involved in the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

Throughout the race’s history, there have been memorable winners, including superstar Enable’s success as a three-year-old in 2017. But, which runner will come out on top in 2025?

Odds

King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes Recent Winners

King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes: Event Information

Race Preview

The standout race on the summer schedule is set for Ascot on Saturday, as the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes will be staged. The Group One will attract a stellar field of runners that are proven at the highest level, and it could have a big impact on races later this season, including the G1 Breeders’ Cup Turf.

Calandagan will represent last year’s winning trainer, and he finally got his nose in front at the highest level when scoring in Group One company in France last month. He already has Ascot form in the book after landing the G2 King Edward VII Stakes at the Royal meet last year.

But, Jan Brueghel out-battled the French raider in the G1 Coronation Cup at the start of June, and that is an obvious form line that could be hard to overlook. The Aidan O’Brien runner has won five from six career starts, with his only defeat coming in the G3 Alleged Stakes on his return. Solid claims for the leading yard.

Kalpana already has bigger targets on her horizon, as connections have made no secret about their intention to run in the filly in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. However, back up to a mile and four this weekend could be the secret to unlocking her best run of the season, and any rain will be a major benefit.

International superstar Rebel’s Romance is likely to be the last major contender after declarations. The Charlie Appleby runner is a 15-time winner in stakes races, which includes victories at the highest level in the U.S., Meydan, and UK. However, slower ground this weekend may be his biggest issue.

King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes Picks

A strong case can be made for the top four in the betting this weekend, but the preference is for the improving Andrew Balding filly Kalpana. She is already a winner over course and distance after landing the G1 British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes last year.

Has dropped back in distance for her first two starts this season, and she looks a likely contender for major victories now back up to her preferred trip for the remainder of the season.