The rematch between Calandagan and Masquerade Ball is on after connections of the Japanese star confirmed their plan to run in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (G1) at Ascot Racecourse July 25.
Calandagan came out on top by just a head in a memorable duel at Tokyo Racecourse in the Japan Cup (G1T) in November, a victory which helped propel him to the titles of Cartier Horse of the Year and Longines World's Best Racehorse. The French ace was a smooth winner of the Dubai Sheema Classic (G1T) in March, his fifth group 1, but was beaten 42 lengths into fourth in a stamina-sapping Coronation Cup Stakes (G1) at Epsom Downs Racecourse June 6.
Since finishing a narrow runner-up at Tokyo, Masquerade Ball has advertised his quality on the global circuit by finishing a gallant second to Hong Kong star Romantic Warrior in the Queen Elizabeth II Cup (G1) at Sha Tin Racecourse April 26.
Video
His 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. As a prestigious race for older horses in the U.K., it provides an excellent opportunity and serves as a favorable 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 am honored. 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 will not be the only Japanese runner in the King George, with Wurttemberg also set to make the trip. The 6-year-old came to within a nose of winning the Tenno Sho (Spring) (G1T) when he was last seen in May.
His trainer Hiroshi Miyamoto said: "I'm very excited to have a runner in one of the most prestigious races in the country which is the origin of horse racing. After Wurrtemberg was narrowly beaten by Croix du Nord in the Tenno Sho (Spring), we discussed the plan of sending Wurttemberg to the U.K.
"His owner, Mr. Teruya Yoshida, has long admired this event, often describing it as a dream race. This inspired me to pursue the opportunity for our horse to compete in such an iconic race and European venue."
As well as Calandagan, trainer Francis-Henri Graffard has entered the 2024 winner Goliath and last year's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1) hero Daryz as he bids for a third consecutive win in the summer showpiece.
Minnie Hauk, who came to within a head of Daryz at ParisLongchamp in October, is one of 11 runners entered for Aidan O'Brien. They include Benvenuto Cellini, Constitution River, Jan Brueghel, and Lambourn.
