St Mark’s Basilica doesn’t give his rivals a prayer as Aidan O’Brien lands his second Classic of the season in the French 2,000 Guineas at Longchamp
- Aidan O’Brien landed his second Classic of the season at Longchamp
- St Mark’s Basilica is now 9-4 favourite for the French Derby next month
- Saint Mark’s Basilica was ridden on Sunday by jockey Ioritz Mendizabal
Aidan O’Brien landed his second Classic of the season when St Mark’s Basilica quickened smartly to land the French 2,000 Guineas by a length and three-quarters at Longchamp.
But O’Brien missed out on another Classic victory as Mother Earth, winner of the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket, was denied in the French equivalent when beaten a length and a quarter by 38-1 outsider Coeursamba.
St Mark’s Basilica, who won last season’s Dewhurst Stakes ridden by Frankie Dettori, is now 9-4 favourite for the French Derby next month.
Aidan O’Brien landed his second Classic of the season when St Mark’s Basilica won on Sunday
O’Brien said: ‘He quickens very well. He has an option to go to Ascot or the French Derby.
‘The original plan was that he would go there and back for the French Derby.’
Saint Mark’s Basilica was ridden on Sunday by four-time French champion jockey Ioritz Mendizabal, booked by O’Brien after intended rider Pierre-Charles Boudot was charged with rape last week.
Jim Bolger-trained Poetic Flare, winner of the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket, was beaten two lengths in sixth.
