Kalpana stays heading in the right direction to take her likelihood within the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, regardless of faltering by the hands of Giavellotto at Kempton not too long ago.
Andrew Balding’s filly has had Europe’s premier middle-distance contest as her predominant goal for a lot of the yr and positioned efforts within the Tattersalls Gold Cup and Fairly Polly Stakes in Eire, adopted by a wonderful second to Calandagan within the King George at Ascot, steered she was a significant participant.
Nevertheless, the five-year-old was overwhelmed at odds-on in her remaining prep race on the all-weather, discovering Marco Botti’s Hong Kong Vase hero Giavellotto too robust within the Group Three September Stakes.
Within the rapid aftermath Balding steered her Arc participation was removed from sure, with a defence of her title within the Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes at Ascot a possible different, however she is ready to take her likelihood in Paris on October 5.
Barry Mahon, European racing supervisor for house owners Juddmonte, mentioned: “We’re nonetheless just about on observe for the Arc, I believe Andrew is completely satisfied along with her.
“It was as we mentioned, it was a prep race the opposite day (at Kempton). After Ascot she bought an excellent, lengthy vacation and she or he most likely simply wanted the run slightly bit greater than we anticipated.
“Giavellotto is a correct horse – you do not win a Group One in Hong Kong with out being an excellent horse, that is for positive.
“I thought she came there to win her race and got two big bumps, which probably just knocked the wind out of her a little bit due to the fact she wasn’t hardened fit, so I think we’re still on track for Longchamp.”
Kalpana is a best-priced 16-1 for the Arc and the prospect of rain-softened floor will not be a priority.
Mahon added: “She showed she handles those conditions in Ascot last year, so we wouldn’t be afraid if the ground comes up soft and Andrew will have her a bit tighter for the main day.
“We nonetheless really feel that we’re on observe and there is development to come back. All of us noticed her at Ascot within the King George, it was an enormous run, and we really feel like there’s extra to come back.
“Minnie Hauk is obviously very talented, but after that it looks a very open renewal. There’s been plenty of trial winners from all over the world and it’s going to be an interesting race with plenty of runners. Hopefully we’ll be there.”
