St Mark’s Basilica swoops for French Classic glory
O’Brien colt claims Poule d’Essai des Poulains.
St Mark’s Basilica provided Aidan O’Brien with his fifth victory in the Emirates Poule d’Essai des Poulains at ParisLongchamp. It is 19 years since the Ballydoyle handler first landed the French 2000 Guineas with Landseer in 2002, subsequently adding to his tally with Aussie Rules (2006), Astronomer Royal (2007) and The Gurkha (2016). Making his first appearance since winning the Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket in October under Frankie Dettori, St Mark’s Basilica was a 9-4 chance in the hands of Ioritz Mendizabal, who initially settled his mount in midfield. Some early scrimmaging meant he got shuffled back in the back, but he began to make inroads on the pacesetters rounding the home turn and was switched wide to deliver his challenge. Once asked to extend fully, St Mark’s Basilica showed a sizzling turn of foot to charge to the front and he was well on top at the line. Jim Bolger’s 2-1 favourite Poetic Flare – bidding to double his Classic tally following success in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket a fortnight ago – was stuck behind a wall of horses early in the home straight. He was staying on at the finish and passed the post in sixth. St Mark’s Basilica was due to contest last year’s Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere, but he had to sidestep the engagement due to an issue with suspected contaminated feed, with the colt then rerouted to the Dewhurst. A second French visit could now be in prospect for next month’s Prix du Jockey-Club over 10 furlongs, although the St James’s Palace Stakes at Ascot provides an alternative over a mile. O’Brien said: “The plan last year was that he would go to the Lagardere and then on to there. “He quickens very well. He has an option to go to Ascot or go back for the French Derby. The original plan was that he would go there and back for the French Derby. “He’s been working lovely and you saw the way he progressed through last year. “They all couldn’t go to Newmarket and when he was to go to France last year, we said we’d stick that way.” Mendizabal was teaming up with St Mark’s Basilica for the first time and O’Brien added: “He gave him a good ride and rode for us before when second on Lope Y Fernandez at Deauville last year.”Follow us on Twitter racing365dotcom and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
French Gold Cup bid shelved for Il Est Francais
Connections take cautious approach and send impressive Kauto Star winner on summer break.
-
City Of Troy tops 11-strong list for 2000 Guineas
Rosallion, Notable Speech and Night Raider among Newmarket rivals.
-
Ben Curtis living the dream with Honor Marie in Kentucky Derby
‘They are estimating 160,000 on the day… it will be as close as you can get to being in a Roman colosseum’.
-
Josh Moore joining father Gary on training licence
Business as usual, but Lower Beeding yard very much planning for the future.
-
Fastorslow too strong for Galopin Des Champs in Punchestown repeat
Martin Brassil’s stable star conquers dual Cheltenham Gold Cup king once more.
-
Redemption Day at Punchestown for Jody Townend
Grade One victory is a first for leading amateur rider.
-
Dancing City backs up Aintree win with gritty Punchestown success
He was made to battle all the way by a stablemate.
-
Jasour stakes Commonwealth claim with smooth success
Impressive Ascot victor cut to 12-1 for Royal meeting.
-
Coltrane collects Sagaro top honours once again
Classy Balding stayer sees off gallant challenge of Cauis Chorister.
-
Quddwah puts down Queen Anne marker in maintaining unbeaten record
Lots to like about Simon and Ed Crisford’s colt.