Trainer Aidan O'Brien, whose 2026 Flat campaign has faced statistical scrutiny, is set to compete for his fifth King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes victory. Analysis by Timeform using their 'Run to Form' metric indicated that July was the most unsuccessful month on record for O'Brien since the metric's introduction 14 years ago, and the current Flat season represents his worst since 2012.
Despite these statistics, O'Brien has four runners in the upcoming race. Should Irish Derby winner Benvenuto Cellini prevail, it would mark his first victory with a three-year-old in the Group One race since 2001 with Galileo. The recent success of O'Brien's horses at Leopardstown, including a Thursday night Group race double, may signal a return to form for the Ballydoyle stable after a mid-summer lull.
Benvenuto Cellini is listed at approximately 5-1 odds, trailing favorite and defending champion Calandagan. The latter renews rivalry with Japan's Masquerade Ball, who finished a head behind Calandagan in last November's Japan Cup in Tokyo. Calandagan recently secured a win at Saint-Cloud after a previous no-show in the Coronation Cup, while Masquerade Ball delivered a strong performance in a spring race at Sha Tin.
Andrew Balding's mare Kalpana, the sole home representative, also aims to challenge the international field. Kalpana, last year's runner-up, finished a length behind Calandagan and has shown a strong record at Ascot. Her trainer, Andrew Balding, expressed optimism about her chances, noting improved ease in managing her weight this year. "She worked really well, and I’m very happy with her," Balding stated. "She’s very good on her day and loves Ascot, so I’m pretty sure she’ll be there or thereabouts." He acknowledged Calandagan as a formidable opponent, adding, "We couldn’t match him last year, but who knows this year?"
Balding's father, Ian, achieved a victory in this race 55 years ago with the renowned Mill Reef. While Kalpana has not yet reached such legendary status, her handler is confident she will be competitive in the "cosmopolitan affair."