ST Mark’s Basilica (100) took the step in to all-aged company in his stride to provide Aidan O’Brien with his fifth Coral-Eclipse, although the performance represented more style and swagger than true Group 1 substance according to the clock.
The race only really developed passing the four-furlong marker after Tom Marquand and Addeybb (96) had set a steady pace, a circumstance that played into the hands of Ryan Moore as the strength of his mount’s French victories has been a sharp turn of foot. This proved to be a trait the son of Siyouni displayed once again as he breezed past Mishriff (95) who had taken the measure of Addeybb.
The winning margin grew all the way to the line as the dual French Group 1 winner posted 48.40 seconds for the final four furlongs, a sectional that proved to be the best of the day on the round course. Magical Morning (95; 49.15 seconds for last four furlongs), successful in the mile handicap, was the closest in terms of finishing effort, but that contest was also a slowly-run affair.
There is no doubt that Aidan O’Brien’s three-year-old colt achieved more in winning his two French classics, but in landing this prestigious prize he established himself as the horse to beat in the Juddmonte International at York. Victory on the Knavesmire would constitute an ideal steppingstone to the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown in September.
York rematch
Mishriff may well be in opposition again at York and, with the Sandown run blowing away the cobwebs and a longer straight playing more to his strengths, I would expect the John and Thady Gosden-trained colt to be more competitive. Addeybb is likely to be seen at his best when contesting the Qipco Champion Stakes in October on proper autumn ground.
The two handicaps that followed the Eclipse are worth a second glance with Makram (95) and Farasi Lane (95) both impressing on the clock.
Although it would be unwise to read too much in to Makram running an overall time 1.76 seconds quicker than St Mark’s Basilica over the same course and distance, there was still a lot to admire about the way the Roger Charlton-trained gelding finished off his race.
Pilot James Doyle was the last of the challengers to the pace-setting Restorer to ask his mount for an effort and, although the closing sectional of 52.05 seconds was the slowest of the day, the son of Make Believe was not hard pressed and would likely have found more if required.
His connections have decided not to take up an entry in the John Smith’s Cup and it would be no surprise if a step-up in trip beckons where further improvement can be expected.
FARASI Lane (95) produced the best overall time, when adjusted for distance and closing sectional in combination, on the Sandown card to give Tom Marquand the third of his four winners on the day.
Fitted with cheekpieces for the first time this season, Tom Ward’s gelding was an impressive winner with his jockey not being required to get too serious. The son of Belardo registered a closing sectional of 50.20 seconds which, when compared to Magical Morning (49.15 seconds) and Auria (95; 50.40 seconds) who are now rated 104 and 99 respectively, is evidence the three-year-old could still be ahead of his revised BHA rating of 85.
A handicap over either seven furlongs or a mile at the Qatar Goodwood Festival would look to be the next likely target where, granted a favourable draw, he can extend the winning run.
Rhythmic Intent (94; 52.66 seconds) found his stride late in the race and took a major step forward from his seasonal debut at York. A ground description that includes soft is important to the son of Lope De Vega and, should his next assignment also coincide with racing either back at this venue or Newbury, confidence would be increased.
The eyecatcher was Luigi Vampa (92; 52.63 seconds) who finished well after missing the break. However, the David Menuisier-trained gelding has been awkward at the stalls in the past and is difficult to catch right for all his undoubted ability.
Il Bandito (90) (50.74 seconds) ran with credit once more and can win again in this grade and seven furlongs suits the son of Acclamation perfectly.
Third Kingdom (88; 50.50 seconds) showed his liking for the Sandown hill again, having finished second to Etonian at this venue last season in a particularly good maiden that has produced several high-class winners, including One Ruler.
The son of Make Believe stayed on strongly towards the line giving the impression that stepping up to a mile will produce further improvement.
Given that both North Of Amazing (78; 51.20 seconds) and Typical Man (78; 50.77 seconds) can race in a lower grade makes them of interest going forwards if afforded that opportunity.