King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot features nine runners including defending champion Calandagan and Masquerade Ball. Francis-Henri Graffard's Calandagan, last year's winner and world's best racehorse, won Dubai Sheema Classic and Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud. Masquerade Ball, last year's Tenno Sho winner, was a head behind Calandagan in Japan Cup and second in Hong Kong. Japan hopes to end King George hoodoo.

Aidan O'Brien saddles four, led by Irish Derby winner Benvenuto Cellini with Ryan Moore. Kalpana and Goliath closely matched on Hardwicke form. Earlier, Extremely Zain (unbeaten in three) and Mezcala (Spring Mile and Buckingham Palace winner) headline Moet & Chandon International Handicap. Completely Random, Back In Black, Aalto, Amazing Journey also noted.

In Valiant Stakes, Touleen drops in class after Coronation Stakes near-miss, 7lb clear on ratings with William Buick. Skydance, Kon Tiki, Sukanya, Esna each-way chances. Other races: Princess Margaret Japan Cup Stakes with Dark Issue, Alta Regina, Moonrise; Betfred Handicap; Chester and Lingfield action.