"We think he’s a very classy colt" - Money arrives for Benvenuto Cellini ahead of King George

Jon Vine

Editor

Last updated: Tue 21 Jul 2026 14:20

Jon Vine 21 Jul 2026

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Benvenuto Cellini now 2nd favourite for King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes
Aidan O'Brien says the colt improved since Irish Derby win
Strong Ballydoyle team also includes Minnie Hauk, Lambourn, and Action

Ryan Moore riding Benvenuto Cellini (green) win The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at Curragh. (Getty)

Benvenuto Cellini has been backed into second-favouritism for Saturday's King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, after Aidan O'Brien gave a glowing report to the press on Monday.

Calandagan remains the firm favourite to defend his King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes crown at Ascot. Japanese rival, Masquerade Ball had sat second in the market for much of the build-up, but he was leapfrogged on Monday by Benvenuto Cellini.

Aidan O'Brien's colt was infamously deemed a non-runner in the Epsom Derby, after catching his foot on the stalls at the start of the contest. Benvenuto Cellini bounced back to winning form in the Irish Derby, beating Epsom winner Christmas Day to hand Aidan O'Brien yet another Classic victory.

O'Brien spoke to the press about Saturday's upcoming blockbuster, and claimed that his top three-year-old had improved since that Classic triumph at the Curragh.

"We’re happy with Benvenuto Cellini. Everything has gone well since the Irish Derby and we think he's come forward since then." O'Brien said.

"We've always thought this race would suit him. He likes fast ground and he got the trip well at the Curragh. We think he’s a very classy colt."

"It’s a tough race for three-year-olds though, and if he runs we’re going to find out a lot about him. It’s a very prestigious race but you need to have the right horse for it. Especially if it’s a three-year-old."

Aidan O'Brien won his first King George in 2001, as the then three-year-old Galileo reigned supreme at Ascot. Since then, only five three-year-olds have come out on top, and O'Brien has seen many fancied three-year-olds come up well short of the older horses.

Ballydoyle won't be single-handed in Saturday's King George. The race has been the lone-term target for Minnie Hauk, who ran well over ten furlongs at Royal Ascot. Former Epsom Derby winner Lambourn looks set for an outing, along with Action, who helped make the running for Christmas Day in the Derby at Epsom.

O'Brien continued, "We were delighted with Minnie Hauk at Royal Ascot. We thought it was one of her best runs and she’s in good form. We know a mile and a half suits her well."

"Lambourn ran well enough in France last time and wasn’t beaten that far, while Action has been in good form since he ran in the Irish Derby."

Benvenuto Cellini can now be backed at 3/1 to this massive Group One at Ascot on Saturday. You can find the full betting for the 2026 King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes here on our website...