The second crop of yearlings by European Horse of the Year St Mark’s Basilica (Fr) will hold plenty of interest for Aussie investors in 2026 with a debut winner at Wolverhampton in the UK overnight giving him 23 2YO winners this year in the Northern Hemisphere.
A champion son of champion French sire Siyouni, St Mark’s Basilica was a G1 winner at two over 1400m and then trained on at three to win a further four G1 races at distances ranging from 1600 to 2100m.
His profile and pedigree would suggest more to come in 2026 from this rising crop of NH bred three year-olds headed by Group I winning filly Diamond Necklace and two more stakes-winners Aylin and Thesecretadversary, plus three Group placed performers.
His latest winner is the Owen Burrows trained two year-old colt Sassicaia, who kicked off his career with a strong finishing neck win in the 1m ½ f maiden on the all weather at Wolverhampton.
Purchased for €80,000 at Goffs Orby Book 1 by Lillingston Bloodstock, Sassicaia is the second winner from stakes-placed Bellajeu, a daughter of stakes-winner Arbella.
The first Australian bred yearlings by St Mark’s Basilica were well received selling for up to $700,000 and have entered all the major stables with his second crop representing a real opportunity for the savvy buyer.
In 2026, St Mark’s Basilica has 15 for Magic Millions, 11 for Inglis Classic and 14 for Inglis Premier.
