The Aston Park Stakes at Newbury looks a fascinating tactical Group 3 despite attracting only five runners, and the race could easily revolve around pace and race fitness as much as outright class.

Kalpana heads the field and sets a clear standard on form. Andrew Balding’s mare ended both her 2024 and 2025 campaigns with Group 1 victories at Ascot and produced an excellent effort when second in the King George last summer. She is proven at 1m4f, handles good ground well and possesses the strongest overall profile in the race. The slight concern is that she returns from a break while conceding 4lb to male rivals in what may become a steadily run tactical contest.

That tactical angle could strongly favour West Wind Blows, who is likely to go forward under William Buick. His excellent second to Calandagan in a Meydan Group 1 earlier this spring reads extremely well in the context of this race. His disappointing Longchamp effort last time came on very soft ground, which may not have suited, and conditions at Newbury should be much more favourable. If allowed an uncontested lead, he could prove difficult to reel in.

Arabian Force remains an interesting progressive colt for William Haggas. He shaped encouragingly on his seasonal return at Longchamp and his Great Voltigeur third from last season gives him solid credentials at this level. However, a small-field tactical race may not play perfectly to his strengths.

French Master is another capable improver from the Gosden yard and arrives race-fit after a respectable Group 2 effort at Newmarket. First-time cheekpieces could sharpen him up, although he may need a stronger pace to be seen at his best.

Overall, Kalpana deserves favouritism on proven Group 1 form, but West Wind Blows looks the major tactical danger if controlling matters from the front.