Kalpana and Item, two prominent Juddmonte-trained horses, are set to continue their successful summer campaign at York’s Sky Bet Ebor Festival later this month under trainer Andrew Balding. This season, Juddmonte runners based at Kingsclere have secured three Group One victories, with Blue Bolt winning both the Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket and the Prix Rothschild at Deauville, while Kalpana claimed the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot last month.

The focus now shifts to the first two Group One contests at York, beginning with Item’s anticipated run in the Juddmonte International, scheduled for Wednesday week. Item, a colt by Frankel, entered the season undefeated after his victory in the Group Two Dante Stakes over York’s course and distance in May. However, he was beaten into ninth place on rain-softened ground in the Betfred Derby, marking his first loss.

Since then, Item regained form with a win in the Group Two Sky Bet York Stakes just under two weeks ago. Juddmonte racing manager Barry Mahon noted that the colt faces strong competition in the Juddmonte International, with notable rivals Ombudsman and Constitution River among the expected field. Mahon emphasized the need for Item to improve again to compete at the highest level but expressed optimism given the colt’s light racing experience and physical capabilities.

Kalpana, meanwhile, has been identified as a potential contender for the Legends Global-sponsored Yorkshire Oaks, which takes place the day after the Juddmonte International. Following her King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes victory at Ascot, the filly has returned in good condition. Balding described the Yorkshire Oaks run as "an option," with her participation contingent on training assessments closer to the event. Mahon acknowledged the encouraging signs from Kalpana’s recovery and training progress, noting that the team is considering emulating the double achieved by the celebrated mare Enable, who won both the King George and the Yorkshire Oaks in the past.

The York Sky Bet Ebor Festival promises a competitive showcase for Juddmonte’s leading horses as they seek to extend the stable’s impressive run of top-level successes this season.