St Mark’s Basilica Colt Makes Perfect Start

Cape Ashizuri (2c St Mark’s Basilica – Muravka, by High Chaparral) shaped with plenty of promise when making a winning debut in Sunday’s six-furlong maiden at Ayr.

Trained by John and Sean Quinn for Ross Harmon and partners, the bay raced in touch with the leaders in the early stages and was asked to quicken with two furlongs left to race. He ran on well when ridden approaching the final furlong and led soon after, going on to score by two lengths.

“Cape Ashizuri showed signs of his inexperience but you'd have to like how he came home,” Sean Quinn commented. “We've liked him from day one but we've always thought he's a seven furlong horse who has the speed for six.”

The first crop son of St Mark’s Basilica was bred by Barronstown Stud.