Kalpana Challenges Calandagan Once Again in a High-Voltage King George

The Juddmonte mare will be one of the star attractions in next week's grand showdown at Ascot

BERKSHIRE, England (Special to Turf Diario).- If the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (G1) already promised an exceptional lineup, the latest confirmations for next Saturday's edition sealed the deal, ensuring Ascot's traditional showcase will once again assemble many of the world's finest stayers. Headlining the cast is Kalpana, who will seek revenge against Calandagan (Gleneagles), the same rival who denied her glory in the closing yards 12 months ago.

The Andrew Balding trainee enters in peak condition and will look to capitalize on a course where she has consistently delivered her absolute best. The 5-year-old mare, a daughter of Study of Man, is a two-time G1 winner during Ascot's Champions Day, and her trainer is confident she will produce another big effort over a surface she adores.

"She worked very well on Saturday, and I was extremely pleased. She is a filly of tremendous quality when she is at her best and she loves Ascot; she has never run a bad race here, so we hope to see her fighting for the lead once again," commented Balding.

The conditioner also noted that the forecasted rain could work in his representative's favor: "She is quite versatile regarding track conditions nowadays, but if rain falls, it might benefit her slightly more than some of her rivals."

A year ago, Kalpana appeared poised for victory before being collared inside the final furlong by a brilliant Calandagan. However, Balding believes she enters this edition in far better physical shape.

"Last year, we struggled a lot to keep her at her ideal weight. Now she is fitter and has progressed very well throughout the entire season. We are genuinely delighted with her," he explained.

Her 2026 campaign supports that optimism. After making a winning seasonal debut at Newbury, Kalpana put on a stellar performance in the Hardwicke Stakes (G2) during Royal Ascot, where she only yielded to Giavellotto(Mastercraftsman), cementing her spot among Europe's top stayers.

Naturally, the archrival to beat will once again be Calandagan, who will defend French colors alongside 2024 champion Goliath (Adlerflug), both seeking to deliver trainer Francis-Henri Graffard a third consecutive triumph in the prestigious event.

The international flair of the King George will be on full display once more. Arriving from Japan are Masquerade Ball(Duramente), whom Calandagan defeated in last year's Japan Cup (G1), and Wurttemberg (Kitasan Black), coming off a agonizing nose defeat in this season's Tenno Sho (G1).

Ireland will also bring elite credentials through Benvenuto Cellini (Frankel), recent winner of the Irish Derby (G1), who will spearhead a formidable Aidan O'Brien squad that also features Action (Frankel), Minnie Hauk (Frankel), and Lambourn (Australia). The Irish trainer will target his fifth victory in the race and his first since Highland Reel(Galileo) scored a decade ago.