2026 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe Tips - King George heroine worth backing on second attempt
Kalpana is our standout selection for the 2026 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, building on a strong record of fillies and mares returning to the Arc. After a solid performance last year, Kalpana bounced back to claim major successes, suggesting she’s peaking at the right time for this year's event. Her adaptability to firmer ground and solid racing form make her a top contender, especially if she secures a favourable draw. We recommend taking early odds at 7/1 ahead of Sunday's confirmed lineup.
- Kalpana selected as the first tip for 2026 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe
- Returning fillies and mares have had strong recent Arc records
- Early odds of 7/1 are recommended ahead of final field announcement
Here's our first selection for the 2026 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, which takes place on October 4th.
We're now just hours away from the field being confirmed for the 2026 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, and the all-important draw will be made soon after. Ahead of Thursday's announcement, I've taken a look through the betting for Sunday's Arc and picked out my best betting tips.
2026 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe Tip 1 - Kalpana
Waldgeist and Sottsass finished fourth on their first attempt at the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe before winning the race the following season. Westover and Onesto finished sixth and tenth behind Alpinista in 2022 before placing second and third to Ace Impact the following season. Last year, Sosie finished third, having placed fourth the previous season.
Horses coming back for a second crack at the Arc, especially classy horses, have a noticeably good record. As do fillies and mares, who've recorded five victories and three seconds in the last ten years. That gives me plenty of hope that KALPANA (7/1) can build on a promising performance 12 months ago, as she brings the strongest mile-and-a-half form into Sunday's main event.
Colin Keane's mount was one of the quickest away from stall ten in last year's Arc. Keane attempted to slot in a couple of times before the bend but could never find a gap and was forced to rein his mount back into midfield.
Kalpana then raced four wide around the entire bend and was pushed into a position to challenge as they straightened up for home. With two furlongs to travel, Kalpana only had Daryz and Minnie Hauk ahead of her, but that wide trip took its toll late on, and Balding's mare faded back to seventh in the closing stages.
Kalpana showed her class and constitution by bouncing back to winning ways on Champions Day less than two weeks later, beating future Group One winner Estrange to land her second Fillies' And Mares'. Balding's five-year-old then produced the finest performance of her career in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot in July, where she raced prominently and quickened clear of Calandagan to claim that prestigious prize.
Colin Keane's mount wasn't at her best in the Yorkshire Oaks. Kalpana wandered around violently once she hit the front, allowing Sparan Nua to get within a head of her at the line. Yet Keane seemed confident after the contest that the favourite was simply idling late on and would have picked up again if Sparan Nua had joined her any earlier down the straight.
Having once been pigeonholed as a soft-ground specialist, Kalpana now seems to produce her best on decent ground, so the forecast in the build-up to the Arc should be ideal. If this multiple Group One winner lands herself a nice low draw on Thursday, then she'll surely go off as the second favourite to Daryz. I'm keen to take 7/1 while it's available.
Verdict
Kalpana is our first selection for the 2026 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
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