Japanese ace Masquerade Ball has yet to reach the ceiling of his abilities, according to his trainer, as he prepares for a rematch with Calandagan in a scintillating King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (G1) July 25.
Last year's Tenno Sho (Autumn) (G1T) winner pushed the French champion to a head in an epic conclusion to the Japan Cup (G1T) in November, and his trainer Takahisa Tezuka is confident of an even better performance in their second confrontation.
He reports Masquerade Ball to have thrived since finishing an honorable second to Hong Kong superstar Romantic Warrior in the Queen Elizabeth II Cup (G1) in April, before which his regular rider Christophe Lemaire said he had the potential to rate among the Japanese greats.
"He's the best horse I've trained and I'm very proud of him," Tezuka said at a Newmarket press event organized by Ascot Racecourse July 22. "After the Japan Cup, he showed some fatigue and was a bit exhausted, but after racing in Hong Kong he looked like he could have raced again.
"I was very happy to hear those comments from Christophe, who has ridden many great horses, like Equinox, and I believe it, too. I've a feeling that Masquerade Ball is still hiding another gear. He's won a lot of good races but he hasn't reached his ceiling yet, and that's what makes him special."
Masquerade Ball has been based at James Horton's yard since undertaking the arduous journey to Britain via Alaska and Amsterdam, and appears to have settled in well to Newmarket life judged on a pleasing exercise up Long Hill alongside his compatriot and fellow King George runner Wurttemberg.
"I've taken a lot of care of the horse and he's developed since Hong Kong," Tezuka said. "He's progressed a lot from 3 to 4; he's much stronger mentally and physically. He likes it here in Newmarket. I was very nervous at first, but the training has gone smoothly and better than I expected.
"His owner, Mr. (Teruya) Yoshida, loves Ascot and he has pushed me to challenge for this race from last year—he's always had that dream and it was the main reason for coming to Europe."
Masquerade Ball is a 4-1 chance with William Hill to reverse the Japan Cup form with the 6-4 favorite Calandagan as the Aga Khan's star targets back-to-back victories in the race, but Tezuka is mindful of the remainder of the opposition as he prepares his colt for what could be the race of the year.
Prize money for the Ascot showpiece has been upped to £2 million for the first time, and it has also attracted Goliath, who won the race in 2024, last year's runner-up Kalpana, this year's Irish Derby (G1) hero Benvenuto Cellini, and last year's dual Derby and Oaks winners Lambourn and Minnie Hauk.
"It's not specifically about beating Calandagan," Tezuka said. "It's about enjoying the experience and seeing how much the horse has improved. A lot of the other horses are strong competitors here, and it will probably be the biggest race of his life."
While Masquerade Ball's sole top-level success came over 1 1/4 miles, he is expected to appreciate the step back up to 1 1/2 miles, for all that the track configuration will represent a new challenge.
"Previously, I thought a mile and a quarter was his best trip, but now he's developed I think a mile and a half is more appropriate," Tezuka said. "In Japan, the courses are very flat and there are no undulations, so it's very different to Ascot. It's difficult to imitate running downhill, but I hope he can overcome the obstacles."
