King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes (Group 1)

Off time: 16:10 | Winning time: 2m 29.74s

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Selected odds by:

(4)

Calandagan²⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 9-9| J: M Barzalona| T: F Graffard| OR: 125| BF| CD

11/10

Most impressive winner of the King Edward at Royal Ascot last summer. Hit the crossbar in 4 Group 1s after, including when ½-length behind Jan Brueghel in Coronation Cup at Epsom. Snapped losing run of seconds in good style in Group 1 at Saint-Cloud last month and another big run is on the cards.

Form: 122-221

(3)

Continuous^b³⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 9-9| J: Wayne Lordan| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 110| D

40/1

St Leger winner in 2023 but failed to hit the same heights last year and has largely been used for pace-making duties in recent starts. Same tactics set to be employed again.

Form: 395948

(2)

Jan Brueghel^p1⁵⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 9-9| J: R L Moore| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 126| D

5/2

Unraced at 2 but won all 4 starts last season, notably the St Leger at Doncaster. Unsuited by emphasis on speed when losing unbeaten record at the Curragh on return but took his form to another level when holding off Calandagan in the Coronation Cup at Epsom. Grinder who sports first-time headgear.

Form: 1111-21

(1)

Rebel's Romance³⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 9-9| J: W Buick| T: C Appleby| OR: 123| CD

5/1

High-class gelding (7-time Group/Grade1 winner) with a superb strike rate, adding the C&D Hardwicke Stakes to his CV in convincing fashion 5 weeks ago. Not seen to best effect when third in this last year. Sure to make another bold bid.

Form: 11-1411

(5)

Kalpana²⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 9-6| J: Oisin Murphy| T: A M Balding| OR: 117| BF| CD

15/2

Very smart filly who won 5 times in 2024, signing off with a career best in the Fillies' & Mares' Stakes here (11.6f, soft). Returned with a couple of creditable placed efforts in 10f Group 1s at the Curragh this season. Career best required here but return to 12f is a likely plus.

Form: 3111-32

Forecasts

Calandagan (11/10), Jan Brueghel (5/2), Rebel's Romance (5/1), Kalpana (15/2), Continuous (40/1)

Another small field for one of the most prestigious Group 1s in the calendar but a good pace looks assured, with CALANDAGAN fancied to reverse Coronation Cup placings with Jan Brueghel at this more conventional track. Rebel's Romance is another huge player as he bids for an 8th success at the highest level.