Having often played the bridesmaid, Kalpana has established herself as the real deal this season and Colin Keane is adamant she can continue her improvement in the Arc.
The Study of Man mare was seventh in the race last season, on ground connections thought she’d prefer. This season, connections have concluded that she’s better on a quicker surface.
Her crowning glory moment came in the King George, where she fended off one of the world’s greatest in Calandagan. She emulated Enable there, who’s won the race three for Juddmonte, once before going on to Arc success.
On her season thus far, Colin Keane told the Racing Post: “She’s a better filly right now than she’s ever been. Even on various ground, she’s different. I used to think she needed a small bit of cut to be at her best. But in the Yorkshire Oaks it felt like she was getting bogged down in the ground, she wanted it quicker. I think it has got to the stage where she just adapts to whatever ground she gets, it doesn’t bother her. She’s used to everything now. She’s a real pro.
“When I asked her to quicken at York, she surprised me with how quickly she went through the gears. She got there quicker than I thought she would and left us in front further out than I would’ve liked. But you would have to love the attitude she showed to get the job done. She really wanted it.
“I wouldn’t swap her for anything” Colin Keane
Returning as a better filly with ground likely to suit, Kalpana looks set to improve on last year’s seventh. Keane continued to praise her performances this season, stating: “Her record speaks for itself and she feels like a different filly now to the one who ran in the race last year.
“Her season’s almost been flawless and the only blip came in the Hardwicke, when she was just touched off. Apart from that she’s won all her races and she’s got used to winning.
“She seems to handle anything that is thrown at her so she goes to Longchamp with a great chance. Andrew and all the team are very happy with her so we’re really looking forward to it. I wouldn’t swap her for anything else in the race anyway.”
The Irishman acknowledged the presence of returning champion Daryz, but suggested his main danger lies elsewhere: “I know Daryz is in there and he’s brilliant in France, so you would have to be fearful of him. But the one we all have to beat is William’s horse. He’s progressing nicely and seems to be coming to the boil at the right time. I would have loads of respect for him.”