Eclipse analysis: excuses for Mishriff but quick ground no worry for St Mark's

Much was made of the small field in the run up to this Group 1, which pits the Classic generation against the older horses, but it has only attracted double-figure fields on four occasions since Pebbles beat three rivals in 1985.

There was no Love, Lord North, Wonderful Tonight or the improving Mohaafeth but this was still a select field – one well up to the race's fine standard – with three of the runners holding a BHA rating of 120 or more. That trio had won nine Group 1s between them.

As expected, the race turned out to be a tactical one, with the gallop increased significantly in the last half-mile, and the steady early fractions almost certainly the reason why the fourth, whose proximity limits the form, finished as close as he did.

It's hard to take anything away from the impressive winner, though, who was providing his trainer with a record-equalling sixth win in the race and his first for ten years.

Coral-Eclipse: full result and replay

St Mark's Basilica

St Mark's Basilica, taking on older horses for the first time following his impressive successes in the French Guineas and Derby, recorded his fourth successive win at the highest level with an effort that puts him on a par with the best of his generation.

Although there may be question marks over the form given the steady early gallop and lack of recent match practice of his two main rivals, it's wise to view his performance in a positive light.

His ability to travel, quicken and sustain his effort will always stand him in good stead and, although he's yet to race on anything quicker than good ground, he's a fluent-moving sort for whom there shouldn't be any problem with faster ground.

He'll be very hard to beat in all of the big races over 1m2f, with the Juddmonte International at York's Ebor meeting, for which he is now around 6-4 favourite, looking like the logical next step.

Addeybb

Addeybb, who hadn't been seen since winning the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick for the second year in succession in April, had the highest BHA rating in the field and was bidding to become the first runner of his age to win the race.

However, while he had the run of the race and gave it his best shot with cheekpieces back on, he was firmly put in his place by the top-class winner, to whom he had to concede 10lb.

Softer ground may have suited ideally and he should continue to give a good account but it's hard to see him reversing placings with the winner, assuming that one gives his running, in the coming months. All roads presumably lead to his title defence of the Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot in October.

Mishriff: expected to do better next timeCredit: Francois Nel (Getty Images)

Mishriff

Mishriff, a free-going sort who won his second Group 1 when beating two subsequent Grade 1 Japanese winners in a steadily run Sheema Classic over 1m4f on his previous start in March, raced with the choke out until halfway up the straight and didn't get home as well as the first two back over a shorter distance in this muddling event.

A more truly run race over 1m2f or the return to further may be more suitable and he'll be well worth another chance at the highest level. He looks set to take on the winner again at York.

El Drama

El Drama, a Listed winner who was a long way behind St Mark's Basilica in the French Derby, seemed to run well but his proximity at the finish owes much to the nature of the gallop to the home turn.

There will be easier opportunities for him and there's enough in his pedigree to suggest he'll be fully effective over 1m4f.

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What they said

Aidan O'Brien, trainer of St Mark's Basilica
He came here and ran against two proper older horses so there was pressure on him as he was going to be exposed if he wasn't very good. He's just a lovely horse who does everything right. We've had horses get into battles and fight it out but he's very happy to follow horses and put races to bed quickly. I think the Juddmonte or the Irish Champion Stakes will be next but he could do both.

Addeybb: pleased connectionsCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

William Haggas, trainer of Addeybb
Addeybb ran a fantastic race and stayed on really well. He showed he's still in very good form on ground that probably isn't quite soft enough for him. He might go for the King George, but I'm not saying he will. He's in it, but he'd need soft ground.

Tom Marquand, rider of Addeybb
Addeybb gave everything. He's an absolute superstar – giving that weight to the best three-year-old in Europe, and probably the world. I'm really pleased with him and he's pulled up great. No doubt William will have some nice targets for him throughout the rest of the year, and possibly into next year too, knowing him.

John Gosden, joint-trainer of Mishriff
The last half a furlong just caught him out a bit on this tiring ground but he has run a very well. I think he will benefit from the race and we'll now go to the Juddmonte at York. It will be an interesting clash as I'm sure the winner, St Mark's Basilica, will be there again.

Read more reports from Sandown

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Is St Mark's Basilica the best horse in Europe? Our experts have their say

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