A maiden winner in soft going, ST MARK’S BASILICA took a big step forward when finishing third in the Group 1 National Stakes over today’s trip at the Curragh. Aidan O’Brien’s colt should confirm latest running with Laws Of Indices and go very close. Coventry Stakes winner Nando Parrado found one too good over 6f in a Group 1 at Deauville last time though he finished well ahead of Cairn Gorm and this extra distance should suit while collateral form gives Group 3 runner-up Sealiway the beating of Libertine.
Sealiway (FR) (8-13) 2nd of 6, 1l behind Go Athletico (8-13) at ParisLongchamp 7f Grp 3 stks gd in Sep.
Laws Of Indices (IRE) 18-1 (9-5) In rear, short of room briefly 2f out, ridden over 1f out, no impression, 7th of 10, 5 3/4l behind Thunder Moon (9-5) at Curragh 7f Grp 1 stks (1) gd in Sep.
Cairn Gorm 18-1 (9-1) Prominent, ridden over 2f out, soon beaten, 6th of 8, 5l behind Alkumait (9-1) at Newbury 6f Grp 2 stks (1) gd in Sep.
Nando Parrado (8-13) 2nd of 9, 2l behind Campanelle (8-10) at Deauville 6f Grp 1 sft in Aug.
Libertine (IRE) (8-13) 4th of 7, 2 1/4l behind King's Harlequin (9-1) at ParisLongchamp 1m Grp 3 stks gs in Sep.
St Mark's Basilica (FR) 9-1 (9-5) Dwelt, in rear, pushed along briefly early, 9th 2f out, soon ridden, headway into 2nd 1f out, disputed 2nd inside final furlong, 2nd close home, 3rd at line, 3rd of 10, 1 1/2l behind Thunder Moon (9-5) at Curragh 7f Grp 1 stks (1) gd in Sep.
