3 minute read

O’Brien colt one of 22 still in contention at Chantilly.

St Mark's Basilica   is one of 22 colts still in contention for Sunday's Qatar Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly.

Aidan O'Brien's charge made a successful seasonal bow at ParisLongchamp in early May, lifting the Poule d'Essai des Poulains by a length and three-quarters under Ioritz Mendizabal.

With victory in the French equivalent of the 2000 Guineas in the bag, St Mark's Basilica could now go for gold in the French Derby over 10 furlongs. O'Brien also has Van Gogh in the field, although he is also entered in the Cazoo Derby at Epsom on Saturday.

Policy Of Truth  (fourth), Parchemin (fifth), Normandy Bridge (seventh) and Sealiway (eighth) all finished behind St Mark's Basilica at Paris Longchamp – but could re-oppose over the longer trip.

John and Thady Gosden are lining up a strong challenge with Newmarket novice winner Derab and Dante second Megallan, while Roger Varian's Dee Stakes winner El Drama is another live British-trained challenger.

Charlie Appleby's One Ruler remains in the race, but he is another with an Epsom option too at the weekend.

Prix de Guiche winner Makaloun is one of three for Jean-Claude Rouget – alongside Saiydabad and Cheshire Academy – with Baby Rider, Pretty Tiger and Adhamo others of note.

There is a second forfeit stage for the race on Tuesday, before supplementary entries can be made on Wednesday.