Kalpana bids for repeat success in September Stakes Kalpana is set to continue her path toward the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe with a key outing in the September Stakes at Kempton. Kalpana aims for September Stakes repeat Kalpana will bid to strengthen her position as ante-post favourite for the Arc with her first win of the season in the Unibet September Stakes on Saturday. Although winless in three starts this year for trainer Andrew Balding, the Juddmonte-owned filly has been consistent, finishing third on her Tattersalls Gold Cup reappearance before runner-up efforts in both the Pretty Polly Stakes in Ireland and the King George at Ascot. Connections considered a pre-Arc trip to Paris for the Prix Vermeille, but ultimately opted for Kempton, where Kalpana won the race last year en route to Champions Day success at Ascot. Balding outlines Arc preparations Balding said: “Kalpana is very much on course for the September Stakes. She won the race last year, so we know that the track and trip suits her well.” He added: “We just thought she hasn’t won a race this year, and as we have taken her to Ireland twice, finding something closer to home would be a better prep rather than running in another Group One before the Arc. She has had a nice break since Ascot and this is very much a prep race so she will come on for the run, but she seems in great form.” Potential rivals in the frame Kalpana is one of 13 entries for the September Stakes, with notable opposition possible. Marco Botti could saddle Hong Kong Vase winner Giavellotto, while Charlie Appleby’s Arabian Crown recently returned to form with a Listed win at Windsor. John and Thady Gosden have Military Academy and Palladium among their entries, and Willie Mullins could be represented by Absurde.
