St Mark’s Basilica Filly Impresses At Ascot

Princess Petrol (2f St Mark’s Basilica – Mot Juste, by Distorted Humour) shaped like a future stakes performer when drawing clear in Friday’s fillies’ novice stakes at Ascot.

The Ed Walker-trained juvenile showed promise at Newbury on debut, when finishing well in fifth, and was well-supported ahead of her second start. Racing over six furlongs, the chesnut raced in touch with the leaders and was asked to quicken from two furlongs out. She ran on well to lead inside the final furlong and lengthened away to score by three and a half lengths under Tom Marquand.

“That was really smart,” Walker commented. “Princess Petrol had a lovely intro at Newbury with George Downing, who gave her a lovely educational ride, and learned a lot there. She's reaped the rewards here.

“We'll go seven furlongs next time. Her dam won the Oh So Sharp Stakes and those kind of races would be good for her, but the Sweet Solera might come too soon. We'll definitely step up in class now.”

Owned by Emma Banks, Princess Petrol was bought by James Toller as a yearling for 280,000gns. Bred by W & R Barnett Ltd, she hails from the first crop of St Mark’s Basilica.