King George. Sat, Master of Ballydoyle. what wil be his tactics at least 3 runners

Someone might ask for ball bag 1 or 2’s opinion but we all know it won’t be forthcoming!

Very interesting article for those who might be interested…

This Is Revenge For Heart's Cry!' – Yoshida Pins King George Hopes On Masquerade Ball

Japan is out for revenge. Two decades on from the defeat of Heart's Cry to Hurricane Run and Electrocutionist in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot, Masquerade Ball (Duramente) will bid to go a couple of places better and deliver a memorable triumph for Japan in one of Europe's great middle-distance races.

Teruya Yoshida, the man behind Shadai Race Horse, the syndicate that owned Heart's Cry and now Masquerade Ball, still hasn't forgiven himself for the defeat of 2006. Yoshida is in little doubt that, had Heart's Cry had a travelling companion for that trip to Ascot, it would have been worth more than the length he was defeated by at the winning line.

Connections of Masquerade Ball have not made the same mistake twice and the notoriously-tricky traveler will have the company in Britain of Wurttemberg (Kitasan Black), who races in Yoshida's own silks.

The Shadai Farm boss said, “It was mainly my idea to try and win the King George with Masquerade Ball this year. We tried to win the race many years ago with Heart's Cry but he was beaten only a length into third by Hurricane Run and Electrocutionist. Heart's Cry had won the Dubai Sheema Classic by over four lengths on the bridle before the King George. But, when we brought him to Ascot, his barn was very much isolated at that time, so he lost a lot of weight on that trip. I blamed myself for that defeat. That's why, ever since that race, we have been wanting to bring two horses for the race so we have been waiting for the right time to bring two very good horses.”

Masquerade Ball is very much the number one. He went down by only a head to Calandagan in the Japan Cup in November and chased home international superstar Romantic Warrior in the FWD QEII Cup at Sha Tin last time. But Wuttemberg is no shrinking violet. He may be the supporting runner but a reproduction of his nose defeat to Croix Du Nord in the Tenno Sho would give him a chance of being in the frame at least.


Yoshida said, “Wurttemberg has some very good form. Last time, he was beaten just a nose behind Croix Du Nord in the Tenno Sho, so if he could produce a run like that, he could go very well. We expect something from him. Nothing very big but we expect a good run. We wanted something to go with Masquerade Ball and he is the number one. Christophe Lemaire will ride Masquerade Ball and Oisin Murphy rides Wurttemberg so I am very happy about that.”

Both horses have arrived in Newmarket, where they will be stationed in the build-up to the King George on July 25. While Japan has enjoyed something of a golden spell on the international stage, success in Europe has not come so easily. Yoshida has his own theory as to why that might be and outlined his hopes for that to change at Ascot, where Masquerade Ball will renew rivalry with Calandagan along with a stellar cast that could also include top-class racemares Minnie Hauk and Kalpana.

Yoshida said, “Masquerade Ball left for England last Friday [July 11]. Of course, we are very excited. We enjoy this experience and look forward to seeing how a Japanese horse will run in a top race in Europe. You know, we have been successful in Dubai, Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia, but not very much in Europe. Maybe that is something to do with the surface because, in Europe, it can be softer than the ground we have in Japan. Whereas in the Middle East or in Hong Kong, you usually get a quick racing surface. It has been very warm in England recently so maybe we might get good-to-firm ground at Ascot. I hope so. But it is the same for Calandagan. He does not like soft ground. We saw that at Epsom when he did not like the heavy going very much. We want good ground but so does Calandagan.”

He added, “I prefer our horses to run at Ascot than at Longchamp in the autumn, when the ground can be soft. It is more practical for us to run our horses in England over the summer. After the King George, Masquerade Ball will come back to Japan. He loves Japan.”

Parallels can be drawn between Coolmore's John Magnier and Yoshida, a towering figure in the global thoroughbred breeding and racing industry in his own right. As the president of Japan's legendary Shadai Farm and acting chairman of the Japan Racing Horse Association, he – along with his brothers, Katsumi and Haruya – has transformed Japan into a powerhouse nation. The Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe remains a race that Japan obsesses over and Yoshida revealed that he agreed with Magnier's robust criticism of France Galop's reported plans to allow geldings to run in the race from next year.

“I don't like [the changes] so much, but they decide,” he said before following up with, “I agree with John Magnier and also Andre Fabre. For the future of the stallion industry, it is not a very good idea. Temporarily, they will have a very good horse to run in the race, but for the future of the industry, they should keep the Arc as a stallion-making race.”

Win, lose or draw, Masquerade Ball will not be heading to France. The King George has been the sole target for many months now and Yoshida is daring to dream about what revenge might taste like. Not only will Masquerade Ball mark 20 years since Heart's Cry was defeated in the race, he will also bid for King George glory in a year when Yoshida celebrates his 50th as an owner.

Yoshida said, “Our first success came when we bought Northern Taste, a son of Northern Dancer, in Saratoga back in 1972. So that is over 50 years ago. Then came Sunday Silence and both horses became extremely important in Japan and it is still continuing. But as an owner, this year marks our 50th anniversary. I am very much proud. Very happy, very satisfied but also very lucky. We are so lucky.”

He added, “Even from my childhood, the racetrack was always full and that is still continuing in Japan. In Europe, the racetrack used to be full but that does not happen now. In Japan, we need to limit the number of tickets for bigger meetings. At one time, they would fit 160,000 people into Tokyo racecourse. Now, they are afraid of too many people so they limit it to around 80,000 people. That does not happen in other countries. We very much welcome the audience.”

Laughing off the prospects that a Japanese King George success could be written in the stars, Yoshida concluded, “It would be special but I try not to think about that because it is not easy. My one big regret with Heart's Cry was that I sent him to the King George on his own. Maybe he needed company and we have learned from that. So, 20 years on, maybe this will be the revenge for Heart's Cry! Let's hope.”

Maximum deflection tactics from the Autistic Bullshatter rather than answering the question.
I have an opinion on the race and will not be playing pre off.
Rest assured that I will not do a Delbert Aftertime though

He can and does post endless reams of C&P but cannot state whether he has had a bet.
I wonder why?

Japan horse coming a long way with nothing in hand why come.

Perhaps it might be that it was beaten a head by Calandagan,abba.

Nice jolly up?

Has the form (which stacks up besides getting close to the fav which was written about earlier on referencing Botti’s horse and Sosie out in Hong Kong) to be there abouts if he can reproduce it.

It’s also a hot summer over there so they chose to escape that and targeted this race for the ground as the article says.

Yes but if im going to bring it all that way id want it to be five lengths better

Yesterday you gave it a chane, one of 4.

If you were a Trainer you would have very few runners,abba
There is also £1.1 M to the winner

Gia has just won the Hardwick from last years runner up (Kaplana) there’s more form there than the Japan Cup.

Sosie beat Gia in the Hong Kong Vase, they finished upsides in the Arc, then Sosie ran behind him when he was getting going over 10f in Hong Kong.

It’s why the books aren’t taking chances taking no chances.

Not many horses get close to Romantic Warrior.

If only we had access to a form Book

Yes i can win but aint much in it and this horse will be used to running on flat

I am not trying to make case for Backing,simply stating why it is running,abba.

The depth of your form research

uptheirons • July 23, 2026 1:38 PM BST
Perhaps it might be that it was beaten a head by Calandagan,abba.

Ye two ever give up

say what you want about delash guys but he does imo put up  info that i and id imagine others find useful and i personally wouldnt have the time or patience to find myself , the forum should be about putting up useful snippets and thoughts banter is fine and part and parcel of these threads but i find his cut and pastes useful , many times in the past a comment from a poster has sparked an interest in a race i may have missed or ignored sometimes they have led to a winner ,many heads are better than one ,it doesnt matter if he doesnt want to put a bet up pre race imo not a lot do and its not a problem we all back losers and the occasional winner .

Go away tard.

It is his "Aftertiming" from the endless C&P in an attempt to impress,Foyles that irritates most

different personalities he being autistic (if he is  and nothing wrong with it imo.) is gonna be like that attention to detail  seeking out bits and pieces that most wouldnt bother . anyway any opinions for today guys ?

My compy horse for today Foyles is Jumeirah Storm at Donc, 11/4 last night and as short as 6/4 now, 7/4 with 365, probably too short for you now tbf? As for the KG, more questions than answers for the whole field although the Japanese horse has more upside than most imo?

yeah looked at the king george earlier in the week thought it would be a 5 or 6 runner affair but with the likely size field it makes it more interesting and a few nice listed and other group races tommorow and saturday hopefully offer a few opportunitys nice looking listed contest today, good luck all.2.55 might be worth a pop/

Cheers Foyles good luck with whatever you’re playing. I recall you had Goliath at massive odds!!

Now back to getting 4 canvasses ready for crating to go abroad!

"The constant need to try to impress others"

Del, your mention of the Hardwick didn't include the fact that Goliath was coming to win the race when his jockey lost an iron and carried on without kicking the other boot out.
Also I agree with Foyles that talk about racing is a refreshing change on here.

Apologies meant two years back.

You’re right Dr I think it’s subjective though if he’d of won? I guess you think he might of along with Ace and ABBA?

Even if he had how far would you have it by?

Because the form out East gives the Japanese colt a slight squeak with room to still be on the improve but there’s not a lot in it,  could be very tight/close finish as ABBA has said,

In the words of the old song,"There are more questions than answers".
Especially when dealing with Delbert

This is a very interesting detail from inside the Caldagan camp,

“He handled the race well; when he came back, he’d hardly lost any weight. The next day, he was in really good form – lively and supple. If you hadn’t told me he’d raced, I – who ride him every day – wouldn’t have noticed. We weighed him again this weekend; he’s 460 kilos, which is really his ideal weight.” Although the pace was kept in check during the canter work due to the heat, the son of Gleneagles will, according to his training jockey, have the advantage – unlike last year – of racing three weeks after Saint-Cloud. This is therefore a significant advantage for the team responsible for maintaining the fitness of the horse that was voted the world’s best horse of the year in 2025.”

Last year there were 27 days between Saint - Cloud and Ascot

This year 20 days, obviously they feel it’s a better gap.

Earlier in year AOB had blamed the extra week for PRico not being as sharp for the French Guineas having missed Newmarket.

Jonny Nash! … like Guava Jelly myself!

yes goliath a couple of years back  it walked funny prob helped the price tbf.was one of those rare uns where it was going like a dream well before the final couple of furlongs and found instead of emptying like many, a good day.

Wonder if this is the 1ST time the 2 previous Wnrs have took
eachother on?

Yeah he has that gammy leg when walking!

Not sure Pen?

Dr  : Goliath did beat Gia in Doha, wasn’t a great ride by Boudet on Botti’s, but then again Goliath had the make the running.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=horzMbqc0yc

Deep Monster who won there then ran 2L behind Romantic Warrior over 1m 4f

Masquerade only beat 1L over a trip that might not be his optimum (10f)

The Hong Kong horse is a very good yardstick to rate these by.

But all the form seems to stack, even the Hardwick with Gia beating Kap as he’d done at Kempton.

This colt has the class, as he almost did what no 3 year old has done in the Japan Cup since Almond Eye 2018

Then Gentledonna 2012

It took horse of the year to stop him.

I didn’t like the way that his head had bucked right but the Hong Kong race turned into a sprint.

Always more alert to them running from off the plane too. Rather than after a prep.

Anyway looks a great race.

AOB knows Ben needs external assistance in order to win hence, he's running 3 others too of which only Minnie can win. Lambourn and Action are merely there to do the donkey work.

Who'll win then? Calandagan is the rightful fav but very short. Only a price boost could initiate a bet from me. I do not know sufficiently to back the Japanese runners either. I think Minnie would prefer a softer surface; Ben is a slow boat, and hyped.

Good luck to all backers.

"A Slow Boat"?
You really should stop listening to Delbert

Will the japan horse run too fast up hill though probably never ran up hill before

Until he wins a top class g1 over 10f he remains what’s been said.

Tokyo has an uphill finish, at Ritto training centre they train up a hill.

But still probably built for speed will it have enough stamina mmm

"Tokyo has an uphill finish, at Ritto training centre they train up a hill"

'Delashay' where did you get the above? AI or from the horse's mouth?

Masquerade Ball, who is set to travel to England for the G1 King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot on July 26, completed his final trackwork in Japan on July 8 with a breeze over the Miho Training Center slope course.


On the Irish Derby thread Kincsem wrote about Tokyo having a slight uphill finish also.

They build them up on the hill to improve their stamina.

Joey OB had mentioned his uphill gallop about the oaks winner.

Dear God.
Martin Pipe was doing it donkeys ago,you utter tard

'Delashay', thank-you.

Welcome, years back Impossible I researched all of their courses to see which is left and right handed.

Sure their courses are flat and Epsom has undulations. Their races used to be run a hotter tempo now they tend to jog and sprint.

His trainer thinks that he’ll be better suited to 1m 4f now. They have hopes for the other horse too as you’ll have seen in the article.

That they’ve booked Oisin is a nod in itself I’d of thought?

Calandagan for a repeat.

15/8 again would be nice.

I do not possess the same level of interest or diligence on races abroad probably with the exception of The Arc. The rest were mainly on a familiar name and price. Now with our 3 yr old absent from the race I cannot have a serious bet on the race.

I'd like to see Calandagan win. I'm hoping for a 5/2 price boost for him. His trainer and owner are genuine supporters of the sport, and also very sporting. A win for the Japanese would ensure a regular Japanese participation in the future too. I hope the best horse wins.

It looks like a no bet race but Goliath has to go close if ready

A much better renewal of this race than in recent years.

The Japanese runners add some intrigue and left field form.

I prefer to look at prices than who is going to win, and two stand out for me.

Calandagan at 13/8 and the "slow boat" Benvenuto Cellini at 11/2.

Cellini looks to be drifting so will wait on backing him in case we get an even better price.

O brien aint got a horse in race to win

What are the four entries for then?

Not often you see a dual Derby Wnr offered @ 100/1.

No I thought that too and his first run of the season looked good despite getting weight, but the feeling is he was sent to Saint - Cloud for a sighter against the horses there.

That he was only beaten 6 and a bit L must have boyed AOB and the lads!

Using these former G1 winners as pacemakers there has to be a chance that one day one might pop up, get the fractions right out in front and nick one whilst the rest of the field are sat watching eachother waiting for them to move.
Bit like when Rock on Ruby got away from Ruby & McCoy that year at Chelts.

YES WON the Epsom derby 13/2 LAMBOURN LED ALL THE  WAY. Not the  first time. But a few times.

There is very little value in the race but if I might have a small punt on Kalpana currently 13.5 but might get a bit bigger, she has the class to win the race, loves Ascot and her form gives her a squeak, albeit with slight ground worries and with a possible messy race due to TEAM O 'BRIEN tactics coming into play, positioning could be vital. On form its between Calandogan and Masquerade Ball as the ratings back up but this could get very messy with four running from one stable.

Does anyone fancy benvenuto ?

Delbert thinks that it is a slow boat

Today Maddy Playle of the RP did a piece on likely tactics to be used.

The Ballydoyle masterplan: how Aidan O'Brien's quartet will bid to control the King George and quell Calandagan


“A strong pace scenario is expected to suit Ballydoyle big guns Minnie Hauk, who is returning to her optimum trip of a mile and a half, and Benvenuto Cellini, who was strong at the finish at the Curragh, won over half a furlong further in the Chester Vase and boasts a St Leger entry over a mile and six furlongs.”

“The latter is the yard number one as he is the mount of Ryan Moore and of the utmost importance to Coolmore as a premier stallion prospect. Expect him to be ridden cold from the widest stall in nine and delivered late with his challenge. “

In the first paragraph she points out the things that I’ve been laughed for saying on a couple of threads. He never started his year like AOB’S other Derby runners over 10f, he was put in over an extended Mile and a half.
Beat Christmas Day (who no one has raved about in a staged G1 who was given one of the lowest ratings for a Derby winner in some time.)


Yet no opinion is given by the likes of Splinters if he’s backed it, fancies it or just hopes that it wins with the other detractor/s so that they can feel like they’ve got one over me!

I’ll say here and now, MADDY and the Forum I don’t expect him to be held up out the back, Moore doesn’t ride Ascot like that and they will try to test the stamina of the Fav and the Japanese horse.


Race comment from the Chester Vase where I didn’t declare him the Derby winner and instead looked for this years Lambourn.

Prominent behind clear leader, headway to lead over 1f out, clear when ridden inside final furlong, ran on

There you have opinions backed up with history of what happened.

Expect Moore to stay wide and tag over and join them, Minnie Hauk up the making two to go around plus those on their inner who have set the pace and dropped away.

Kalpana I’ve watched, she has one burst that lasts over half a furlong, that needs to be timed to perfection.

Calandgan doesn’t have a sharp turn of foot as Maddy says, but rather what team Aga describe as a LONG acceleration, it’s why very early last year on the Ante post thread I suggested that the Japan Cup would be his end of year target.

Look at the photo on the article it was a small field, five turning in, this is bigger and BallyD will hope that the extra runners can create enough space between them and Caldagan to beat him.

https://www.racingpost.com/news/raceday-intel/the-ballydoyle-masterplan-how-...

[img]https://images.onesite.com/community.betfair.com/user/delashay/103bad46...

The King of C&P whacks in another portion.
Still no pre race selection from him

Options and reasoning, something that you don’t possess written by myself thought out by myself.

P.s. when you quote me get it right, I’ve never said a, “Slow boat.”

But as said before until he wins a top class G1 over 10f you know what I think.

All this shyte and no selection.
Still,as we all know,you will aftertime from your endless reams of C&P

And,you do not even have a funded BF A/C

Delashay,I'm surprised you even quote the"thoughts"of the racing post's teagirl..

I’ve not seen many put their own up, it’s more likely that thoughts on fellow forumites are given.

I’m sure she’d love that tag, there’s many a male journo there that aren’t over being that by the way.

Delbert hangs on every word uttered by Trainers,Jockeys and the Press

[img]https://images.onesite.com/community.betfair.com/user/delashay/dd5a845d...

[img]https://images.onesite.com/community.betfair.com/user/delashay/926680b8...

Show me your money,Bullshatter

Apologies for the image not showing, refer to Maddy Playles article today and see the image, it was a very small field turning in last year.

Enjoy the race looks like a great one.

Wonder how it’ll affect the Arc betting?

The year that PC Boudout was beaten by Enable when he rode Wildergiest he returned to unsaddle and told Fabre that he’d bed beat he her at Longchamp come the Arc.

Despite being beat 2L if I remember.

Stick up a Back on Calandagan @ 10.0 just to show you have funds Delbert.
Nobody has done so.
Prove me wrong

You have no opinion so you’re never wrong

Come along Delbert don't be shy.
Nothing too strong,say £500

Someone’s desperate to deflect

There’s a Neanderthal and a person with superior intellect, you will never win and you know and hate it.

People just might conclude that you are a potless fantasist,Delbert
You don't want on at 10.0,because I would

Yawn !

Dela, why do you have Cellini as slow?
I thought he cruised up at the Curragh to take on Christmas Day.

An intriguing race for sure.

F/O Two Bobber

Just to prove that you actually have a funded BF A/C,Delbert.
It's easy to do

Brandy I described him as, “big old boat.”

I never said that he was slow. Is that clear?

The form shows that he’s a stayer,

Does he excite me? No, never. Staying looks his game which is why I shared Maddy’s piece and quote.

Can he win? Yes. Tactics and weight for age and OR say that.

Do I believe the form of the Irish Derby?

No. It was easy to be manipulated.

Non of us know if Christmas Day was short of work.

He was forward going fast, the best way to get a horse beaten.

But,only if you have a funded BF A/C

Why didn’t Ben run over 10f this season?

Why can't you show you have a funded BF A/C

Some people (maybe they backed him for Epsom?) took my quote as a slight and I think that it’s funny how anyone can feelings that strong for a horse unless there was money involved that was lost.

I asked after the Irish Derby if anyone was taking the biggest price offered 6/1, no answer.

Any winning bets on him please show me more than the current price and when the bet was placed.

Some of us don’t have to wait for plunges or Moore to be aboard.

Be careful if backing that you aren’t being played by a sleight of hand whilst the Mare with form goes in.

Stop waffling and stick up a bet on Calandagan,Billy Bullshater

Behrayna
44
Matched
Behrayna
44
Matched
Behrayna
42

Ref’s and dates deleted I bet when I want, now you give an opinion before the race tomorrow or sling it and leave those that love racing to talk about it.

Case proven.
Delbert is a confirmed potless fantasist.
Perhaps he is too shy and retiring to show his funds

As said sling it

Delbert confirmed as a potless,unfunded,Autistic bullshatter.

You love to ruin a thread, hoping that you get reported.

Sid-Saggysack • July 23, 2026 8:07 PM BST
uptheirons 23 Jul 26 19:35
Yet, strangely I can show profits

post a screenshot of your last 12mths. TIA.

Report• Quote • Block User Hugo-Hackenbush • July 23, 2026 8:07 PM BST
a fair request sid.

Report• Quote • Block User uptheirons • July 23, 2026 8:09 PM BST
F/O and mind your own business, Sid

Report• Quote • Block User Sid-Saggysack • July 23, 2026 8:31 PM BST
you clearly aint got one to show Irons,thats obviously apparent,if you had it would be posted in an instant.

Report• Quote • Block User uptheirons • July 23, 2026 8:39 PM BST
So you say,Sid.
We are all not Billy Big Gonads

Report• Quote • Block User Rico-Dangleflaps • July 23, 2026 9:25 PM BST
no-one is asking ewe to prove you're a billy big gonads...not menni are..certainly not in the current climate..but constantly digging at tanker dave to prove this..post that..is slightly hypocritical dont ewe think?
do i believe you're a long term winner? no i dont...we can all post a single bet every 6mths.

Go talk to yourself and try convince the rest of us that know that you ain’t the same Loser.

I can prove funds in an instant.
Can you Delbert

My £1,000 back for Calandagan is there @ 10.0

Fair enough Dela.
I thought you called him slow. My apologies.


I agree he may not have the speed for 10f, but i think he can travel well.
He looks taylor made for a George.
Haven't backed him or Calandagan yet, but those two will be my plays if the price is right.

I like to bet on the race as it's the King George. I also do not want AOB to win because he's running a battalion, and probably employing team tactics for the race. I do not want to be part of a conspiracy to cheat and for being unsporting if I've backed one of his, and it wins.

If AOB has run just one eg Ben or Minnie I'd probably back Calandagan. As it is I cannot back any of AOB's because horseracing is not a team sport, and conspiracy is distasteful and unsporting.

Calandagan at 5/2 and more could sway me to back the horse.

Thanks Brandy and Impossible good luck to you both.

And Dr’s and ABBA and the OP and people who are excited about the race. If I’ve missed others out oppps.

I’m not in anyway big on anything here, I’m more intrigued because there’s signs for later.

It’s called passion. A love for the sport of kings.

I'm passionate about horseracing. I'm passionate about having a bet on prestigious Gp 1 races eg Epsom Derby, Dewhurst, Guineas, Juddmonte International, etc, or big handicaps eg Ebor, Ayr Gold Cup, Lincoln, etc - the kind of races horses like Dancing Brave, Lear Fan, Warning, Slip Anchor, Mtoto, In The groove, etc ran in.

But, not Gp 1 races stuffed with runners from an unsporting trainer and aided by unsporting owners.

How boring is this O'Brien b0ll0x?
Take his rnrs out it's a 5 rnr event.His 4 include a dual Derby Wnr,Irish Derby Wnr
& Dual Oaks Wnr who also won the Yorkshire version..

Agree Penzance.

Lucky he supports all the big races.

imbecile 123

So passionate about horseracing, the berk thought Royal Ascot was in July.