Kalpana's Arc Prospects Clouded by Kempton Shock

Image source: Getty Images
Image caption: Kalpana (right) narrowly lost July's King George VI Stakes to Calandagan at Ascot

By Frank Keogh
BBC Sport senior journalist
Published: 6 September 2025

In a dramatic twist for Europe's racing calendar, Andrew Balding's star mare Kalpana saw her Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe odds drift from 6-1 to 12-1 following a length-and-a-half defeat to Marco Botti's Giavellotto in Kempton's September Stakes.

Key Race Developments:

• Birthday Triumph: Jockey Oisin Murphy celebrated his 30th birthday by masterfully guiding Giavellotto to victory
• Tactical Shifts: Kalpana's trademark late surge failed to materialize on Kempton's all-weather surface
• Arc Decision Pending: Balding's team will reassess training plans before committing to Longchamp's October 5 showpiece
• Market Reaction: Bookmakers now install Continuous (8-1) and Feed The Flame (10-1) as new Arc favorites

Haydock Sprint Cup Delivers Thriller

Mick Appleby-trained outsider Big Mojo (16-1) produced a career-best performance to snatch victory in the Group 1 Sprint Cup, reversing July Cup form with a devastating late charge under William Buick.

Race Highlights:

• Photo Finish: Big Mojo edged 2024 runner-up Kind Of Blue by a short head
• Owner Double: Wathnan Racing celebrated Flora Of Bermuda's third-place finish
• Favorites Falter: Joint-market leaders Lazzat and Regional finished out of the money

Expert Analysis

"This result fundamentally changes the Arc landscape," said Racing Post's form analyst Tom Segal. "While Kalpana's stamina for Longchamp's 2,400m remains unquestioned, this defeat exposes vulnerability in tight, tactical battles."

Next Key Races:

1. Irish Champion Stakes (Leopardstown, September 13)
2. Prix Vermeille (Longchamp, September 20)
3. Arc Trials Day (Paris, September 27)

Odds sourced from leading UK bookmakers as of 6/9/25