A small but select field of four lined up in the Group I Coral-Eclipse Stakes (1m2f) at Sandown in the UK overnight with victory going to outstanding three year-old colt St Mark’s Basilica, who proved superior to globe-trotting multiple Group I winner Addeybb.
Australian breeder Bob Scarborough has a small band of mares based in Ireland and one of them, 14YO Galileo mare Cabaret, is the dam of St Mark’s Basilica, who is undefeated this year winning both French classics before this latest success.
Cabaret had already achieved Group I success as a broodmare having delivered dual Group I winner Magna Grecia, heading back to Australia again for Coolmore this spring, and she has done it again with St Mark’s Basilica.
A winner over six furlongs at two that closed out his juvenile season with a win in the Group I Dewhurst Stakes (7f) at Newmarket last October, the Aidan O’Brien trained colt was been a revelation when stepped up in distance this year.
For this assignment, St Mark’s Basilica stalked the leaders for Ryan Moore, with Addeybb under Tom Marquand setting the pace at his first outing since winning the Group I ATC Queen Elizabeth Stakes in Sydney back in April.
St Mark’s Basilica powered to the line to win by more than three lengths over Addeybb, who will take a lot of benefit from the run.
“Ryan [Moore] was blown away by Sta Mark’s Basilica out there. He couldn't believe when he asked him how well he quickened,” said Aidan O’Brien.
“He is a relaxed traveller so he doesn't use any energy so when he comes on he comes on slowly and when they do go for him he really turns it on. I think it is a mark of a good horse when they can quicken like that.
“He puts races to bed very quickly. He is progressing all the time. I think the Juddmonte or the Irish Champion will be next but he could do both as there is enough time between them.”
A 1.3million guinea purchase from the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale for MV Magnier on behalf of a Coolmore partnership, St Mark’s Basilica has the imposing record of five wins and two placings from eight starts.
He is the second Group I winner among four winners from Group III winner Cabaret, a half-sister by Galileo to Group III winner Drumfire and stakes-winner Ho Choi.
St Mark’s Basilica’s half-brother Magna Grecia was popular with Australian breeders last spring covering 122 mares.
A Group I winner at two and three, the son of Invincible Spirit stands at a fee of $19,250.
