Expert Analysis

The joint-smallest Eclipse field since Connaught beat two rivals in 1970, equal in number to the 1985 edition won by Pebbles, but it did feature plenty of quality among three of those four, including the winners of the last two French equivalents of the Derby in Mishriff and St Mark’s Basilica (the former also successful in the Saudi Cup and Dubai Sheema Classic, the latter in the Dewhurst Stakes and the French equivalent of the 2000 Guineas) and the winner of the last two Australian Queen Elizabeth Stakes as well as the latest British Champion Stakes in Addeybb. 

In the event, the other runner, El Drama (winner of just a maiden and a listed race), finished a bit close for comfort to the placed horses, a consequence in part of a steady early pace, which resulted in this being won in the slowest of three times at the distance on the card (the other two races being ordinary handicaps) and a finishing speed of approximately 105%. 

Despite easing of the ground (to somewhere between “good” and “good to soft” on times), this was a race which tested speed, something the winner showed in spades. The runners raced wide of the rail almost throughout.

ST MARK’S BASILICA (124+ here, 118 previously) had been anything but an under-achiever previously, taking the Dewhurst Stakes and French equivalents of the 2000 Guineas and Derby on his three most recent outings, but those had been from unexceptional opposition and winning this against proven older horses represents a whole higher level of achievement, even after allowing for the 10 lb weight-for-age allowance probably being a shade generous. He raced in third, was rousted along 3f out and took a short while to respond before quickening to the front 1½f out, edging slightly right and ridden but continuing to assert. While this steadily run race played to his strengths somewhat, this was a most authoritative success, right up there with those of Palace Pier, Poetic Flare and Love at their respective bests, and he is the one to beat at around this trip in the months to come, his sectionals here (especially sub-12.0s ones from 3f out to 2f out and 2f out to 1f out) suggesting he can rate higher still.        

ADDEYBB (119 here, 122 previously) was put in his place by a younger rival though may get closer another day, dictating the pace until approaching 3f out, tapped for toe soon after before rallying at the death, this effort after an 11-week break apparently just below the level he managed in winning the British Champion Stakes at Ascot last October. 10f and give in the ground suits him well, though he may ideally need a bit more use making of him in circumstances like these.   

MISHRIFF (118 here, 123 previously) shaped as if the race, his first since winning the Dubai Sheema Classic 98 days earlier, might just have been needed and should be a major player in similar events in the remainder of the season, for all that St Mark’s Basilica has leapfrogged him in the pecking order. He raced in second, typically taking a hold, edged ahead approaching 3f out, going best, and went as short as 1.40 (5/2 on) in running before the winner hit top stride and stormed past him, unable to hold onto second late on. His Dubai win tested speed, and he is at least as effective at 9f/10f as at that 12f.   

EL DRAMA (111 here and previously) looked somewhat out of his depth, having won nothing better than a listed race previously, but finished fairly close up, steadied at the start and always in fourth, not far behind the placed horses until edging right 1f out and finding no extra. He was a bit keen early and is not sure to stay further. A Group win from him hereafter would certainly bolster the form of this.