St Mark’s Basilica simply stunning in Coral-Eclipse
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Tue 5 Dec 2023
St Mark’s Basilica put up a hugely impressive display to beat top-class older horses Addeybb and Mishriff in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown.
Winning his fourth successive Group One race, St Mark’s Basilica was giving trainer Aidan O’Brien a record-equalling sixth Eclipse triumph.
Sent off the well-backed even-money favourite, the three-year-old son of Siyouni powered away from his talented opponents in the final furlong under Ryan Moore.
Tom Marquand had sent Addeybb into the lead straight from the stalls, with Mishriff for close company. St Mark’s Basilica was held up in third, with El Drama last of the four as they travelled in single file.
There was no change in the order until David Egan on Mishriff drew alongside Addeybb and hit the front. It was a short-lived lead, however, as St Mark's Basilica stormed past the pair and quickly put the race to bed.
He won by three and a half lengths from Addeybb, who rallied past Mishriff to take second place.
O'Brien said: "We couldn't believe when Ryan asked him to quicken how well he did quicken. He quickens and has a great mind - he does everything.
"We felt he had stepped up since the last day and Ryan gave him a beautiful ride. I'm delighted for everybody.
"He's a relaxed traveller and doesn't use any energy. He comes on slowly and when you go for him he really turns it on. He has the mark of a special horse."
Asked about targets, the Ballydoyle trainer said: "The lads (Coolmore owners) will decide what they want to do, obviously he'd have options of maybe going to York (Juddmonte International) or Leopardstown (Irish Champion Stakes).
"I'd say something like that, depending on what the lads want to do. He's a horse with a lot of pace and a lot of quality."
Of Addeybb, a delighted William Haggas said: "It was a fantastic run. He fought hard as usual and he's a very consistent, genuine horse. When it's slower ground they don't quicken like that.
"The winner is obviously a very smart horse, but he fought back to beat Mishriff. It wouldn't have suited him making the running, either. He needs a good gallop.
"He might go for the King George, but he needs soft ground."
Winner of the Saudi Cup and Dubai Sheema Classic, as well as last year's French Derby, Mishriff could have a rematch with his Sandown conqueror at York.
John Gosden said: "He was just a bit keen early, it was his first run for a while and the ground is soft enough for him. I expect him to come on a good deal for that.
"We will head to the Juddmonte at York next, but the winner was very impressive."
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