Kalpana leads the way in Yorkshire Oaks confirmations

Andrew Balding’s mare proved herself among the best mile-and-a-half horses in Europe at Ascot last month and will be back against her own sex when looking for a fourth win at the highest level.

Her main rival is Aidan O’Brien’s Minnie Hauk, who finished a long way behind Kalpana at Ascot in a rare poor run. At her best she is top class, like when landing her third successive Group One in this race 12 months ago.

She went on to finish a head second to Daryz in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, but has so far not reached those heights this season.

O’Brien has also left in six others, including Diamond Necklace despite reports she will be running in France next.

Joseph O’Brien’s Irish Oaks winner Johanna Walsh and John and Thady Gosden’s Epsom second Legacy Link are still in, as are Ralph Beckett’s improving Tattycoram, Paddy Twomey’s Moody, the William Haggas-trained Earth Shot and David Menuisier’s Inis Mor.

Jim Bolger’s Irish Oaks third Sparan Nua is an intriguing runner having placed over a mile last time out.

“We love tough races. I wouldn’t fancy going over for a walkover,” said Bolger.

“It went fine back over a mile last time. She was running on at the finish and we were happy with her. She broke well and got into a good position very early so that was the purpose of the exercise.

“Had she been able to win it would have given me options at the end of the season as there are more Group Ones at the end of the season than distance races. That was the thinking behind that – to increase the options.

“Also there is a likelihood she will stay in training so I wanted to know maybe if we had enough toe for a mile we would have loads of options next year.

“There is a possibility she could come in season and if that happens we won’t be declaring.”

George Boughey’s Libertango is one of 23 in the Sky Bet Lowther Stakes.

The Albany winner was beaten in the Duchess of Cambridge Stakes last time out but still sets the standard.

Twomey’s Big Negotiator, the Ger Lyons-trained Livenka, Andrew Balding’s Moonrise and Karl Burke’s Wild Blossom are also engaged, while Joseph O’Brien has supplemented Star Of State.