Aidan O’Brien will be back among the leading trainers in contention to claim the top prize when the Juddmonte International Stakes returns to York on August 18.
The Irish mastermind is already tied as the joint-most successful trainer in the race’s history having won it on six occasions in the past, and a 2021 would take him clear as its most prolific of all time.
O’Brien could enter as many as seven runners in his bid for the record in York, with none standing a better chance than St. Mark’s Basilica over a mile and two furlongs.
Horse racing experts take a look at the three-year-old star’s chances of extending his four-win streak in the August meet, as well as those nipping at his heels with a shot at the big time.
St. Mark’s Basilica (6/4)
A surging talent honed in the proving ground of the Curragh, St. Mark’s Basilica will undergo his latest test to see how he’s measuring up in more elite company.
It’s a test the colt has passed several times already in 2021, with each of his three wins so far this calendar year coming in Group 1 conditions.
The BBC reported on the most recent of those after St. Mark’s Basilica won the Group One Coral-Eclipse at Sandown in early July:
O’Brien was hugely complimentary of his star entry following that result: “He’s a lovely horse. Every race he has stepped up – and Ryan gave him a beautiful ride here.
“It’s always a nervous time when you take on older horses and the others are two good older horses. For him to do that to them makes it special.”
‘Special’ is the right word for a that continues to pass every obstacle put in his way with flying colours, and the expertise of arguably the world’s best flat trainer should put him on course for another famous win, reported racingahead.net
Mishriff (4/1)
Although Mishriff is yet to win since trainer John Gosden moved to a dual-licence in operation with his son, Thady, there are few finer places to start than in the Juddmonte International Stakes.
The four-year-old has placed second and third in his two Group 1 outings since that change in May, hoping to recapture some of the magic that saw him claim victory in the Saudi Cup in Riyadh back in February:
Mishriff boasts two triumphs at the top standard—at Chantilly and Meydan—but has dropped off the level in places, finishing eighth out of 10 in the Champion Stakes at Ascot last October.
Gosden won the Juddmonte International Stakes in 2018 when Oisin Murphy piloted Roaring Lion to first at York, and David Egan is a jockey who will give Mishriff a decent chance at the upset.
Love (5/1)
Another of O’Brien’s entries who’s sure to demand her own share of the pre-race spotlight, Love has also made a habit of impressing even among stiff competition.
While the filly’s record is somewhat patchier than stable-mate St. Mark’s Basilica, Love already boasts some big wins of her own and triumphed at York around this time last year in the Darley Yorkshire Oaks.
But unlike St. Mark’s Basilica, Love has proved her worth over a mile and four furlongs, which could grant a slim edge over a slightly shorter distance.
There could be an awkward fight for the services of jockey Ryan Moore considering he’s won with both of O’Brien’s stars, boarding Love in each of her last eight outings, winning five in the process.
Unibet Stewards’ Cup – Odds Leaders
| Team | Odds |
| St. Mark’s Basilica | 6/4 |
| Mishriff | 4/1 |
| Love | 5/1 |
| Snowfall | 6/1 |
| Palace Pier | 6/1 |
| Pyledriver | 8/1 |
| Joan of Arc | 10/1 |
| Alcohol Free | 10/1 |
| Mohaafeth | 12/1 |
| Alenquer | 14/1 |
