SANDOWN PARK 15:35

All 4 ran.

Time: 2m 10.87s Closing Sectional: (4f): 48.4s (108.7%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 106%, Betfair SP 100%

Just the 4 runners for one of the most prestigious races of the summer, though after last year's emergency 4-y-o+ running, the race was open to 3-y-os again and served its purpose admirably, the first clash of the generations, with 2 older proven Group 1 performers up against a classic-winning 3-y-o, the last-named running out a decisive winner in a rather tactical race, much to like about his performance, even if the other pair weren't quite on song on their first outing of the summer.

ST MARK'S BASILICA (FR) strong in the betting, took the step into all-aged company in his stride, showing improved form and promising much for the rest of the year, that he had already been out during the European season perhaps to his advantage against his 2 main rivals but he was clearly best on the day regardless, his profile most progressive; held up, shaken up early in straight, led over 1f out, in command soon after, pushed out; the suspicion is that he has a top-class performance in the locker, the International at York and the Irish Champion Stakes both likely opportunities for him to put that theory to the test, keeping to this trip, rather than stepping up again to 1½m, appealing as the way forward given his pedigree.

ADDEYBB (IRE) wasn't far off his best, possibly not ideally served by making his own running, though he hardly needs excuses making for him, presumably a soft-ground Champion Stakes again likely to be his best opportunity in Britain this year; led, ridden 3f out, headed over 2f out, not quicken, kept on inside final 1f.

MISHRIFF (IRE) looked really well in himself beforehand but shaped as if just better for the run after 3 months off, briefly looking the winner around 2f out but not seeing things out nearly so well as St Mark's Basilica, or the runner-up for that matter, having been very fresh throughout; tracked pace, took strong hold, led over 2f out, ridden soon after, headed over 1f out, not quicken, weakened final 50 yds; his 2 starts earlier in the year suggested he was an improved performaner and he should be given another chance to confirm that.

EL DRAMA (IRE) looked an optimistic runner at this level and ran at least as well as could be expected, even if he only ever looked likely to finish fourth; slowly into stride, in rear, effort over 2f out, not quicken, kept on inside final 1f.