O'BRIEN CAN MAKE HIS MARK AGAIN

Paul Ferguson gives his verdict on July’s big races

- Paul Ferguson

Aidan O’Brien won Sandown’s Eclipse Stakes on five occasions between 2000 and 2011, and St Mark’s Basilica is fancied to provide him with a sixth win in the Group 1, following a nine-year hiatus. The betting is currently headed by Dubai Sheema Classic winner Mishriff, but we have yet to see him or stablemate Lord North in domestic action this year, and either might struggle to concede the age-allowance (10lbs) to the three-year-old.

St Mark’s Basilica, the winner of the Dewhurst Stakes on his final start at two, has won both the French Guineas and the French Derby so far this season, showing a good blend of speed and stamina to provide O’Brien with a first win in the Prix du Jockey Club last time. O’Brien’s first three Eclipse winners were all aged three, the first being Giant’s Causeway in 2000. All three boasted a similar profile to St Mark’s Basilica, in that they were clearly blessed with plenty of natural pace, and provided that the ground isn’t too quick, he is fancied to land the feature prize on July 3. The ground is the only real concern for the Siyouni colt, as he has yet to encounter quick ground and is unbeaten in four starts on soft. Currently a best-price 4-1 (SkyBet and Hills) that could well come under some pressure if we get a wet end to June.