St Mark’s Basilica Colt Captures Maiden Success

Port Of Spain (2c St Mark’s Basilica - Alive Alive Oh, by Duke Of Marmalade) became the latest exciting prospect for St Mark’s Basilica when winning at Punchestown on Tuesday.

Trained by Aidan O’Brien, the two-year-old was building on a last-time-out third place at the Curragh. He was positioned midfield and challenged for the lead two furlongs out before striking by half a length under Ronan Whelan. Cape Cod (by Wootton Bassett) was a further head behind in third.

Stable representative Chris Armstrong said: "He had two lovely runs in hot Curragh maidens so I suppose on form he was the top pick. It was a bit messy from the start but in fairness Ronan got him in and got him going. He hit the line well.

“Ronan felt there's plenty of improvement in him and that trip is perfect for him at the moment. I suppose he’ll be in the mix for the Beresford or he could even step up for the Eyrefield. We’ll see how he comes through it but he’s definitely a stakes horse in the making.

“The sire has been very good to us and is absolutely flying now. We have a lovely bunch of them and you’d love to have more. They're going the right way.”

The Ballydoyle colt was continuing the excellent form of St Mark’s Basilica, whose first crop of runners also includes last week’s Group 2 May Hill Stakes winner Aylin and Listed Ingabelle Stakes scorer Diamond Necklace.

Those fillies have Group 1 targets on the agenda this autumn, while Listed Tipperary scorer Thesecretadversary holds an entry in next month’s Group 1 Futurity Trophy at Doncaster.

Port Of Spain was bred by Sue Ann Foley.