Is St Mark's Basilica the best horse in Europe?

'Stablemate Love is an interesting alternative'

Two of the best older horses around were turned away in impressive fashion by St Mark's Basilica in the Group 1 1m2f Coral-Eclipse at Sandown, and that performance does suggest that the Siyouni colt is the best horse in Europe over 1m2f, although stablemate Love is an interesting potential alternative for that title. What a clash that would be in an Irish Champion Stakes, for instance!

Adayar is the most likely to enter the argument over 1m4f. Palace Pier and Poetic Flare are in the mix back at 1m, and may have their chance to prove it in the Sussex Stakes.

Oxted is best placed to stake a claim from the sprinting division, particularly if going back-to-back in the July Cup next week, but as it stands St Mark's Basilica is setting the overall European standard.
Dave Randall, analyst

St Mark's Basilica's stablemate Love (left) could be among the best aroundCredit: Edward Whitaker

'It's a yes from me - and a good sign for the three-year-olds'

On Saturday's performance, the answer has to be yes. Although he was only taking on three rivals in the Eclipse, they included two proper Group 1 performers and he dismissed them comfortably.

It was a special performance and additionally the Eclipse is usually the first real pointer in the season as to how good the three-year-old crop are compared to their elders. It was clear they were good before the weekend, but on Saturday's evidence they could be far better than we thought. I can't wait for the King George now.
James Stevens, reporter

St Mark's Basilica: could go to York nextCredit: Mark Cranham

'The early slow fractions give the form an element of doubt'

An impressive win doesn't necessarily translate into a top-notch performance on the ratings, particularly if some of the opposition are below par. Addeybb and Mishriff both appeared to run their race (although the former would have preferred softer ground), but the early slow fractions give the form an element of doubt, and the pace increased in the last half-mile.

That said, it's hard to crab St Mark's Basilica, and it goes without saying he's shown the best form over a mile and a quarter. Whether or not he would emerge superior over a truly-run mile and a half remains to be seen – stablemate Love may have something to say about that, as could Adayar – but over shorter he's proved he's the best.

If he turned up in the Juddmonte I wouldn't want to oppose him – something would have to put in a very special performance to pose a threat.
Daniel Hill, analyst

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