St Mark’s Basilica surged to joint first in the latest edition of the LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings earlier this month and he is the name on everyone’s lips as Wednesday’s (18 August) International Stakes approaches.

Run over 2051m at York the status of this G1 encounter is so lofty that it has been named as the highest rated race in the world, and, with the Aidan O’Brien-trained bay son of Siyouni joining battle on the historic Knavesmire site, it should again be a mouthwatering event.

St Mark’s Basilica had already plundered two G1 French Classics – the 1600m Poule d’Essai des Poulains (French 2000 Guineas) and the 2100m Prix du Jockey Club (French Derby) before the challenge of meeting older horses in Sandown’s G1 Eclipse Stakes (1990m). Relaxing in behind, the way he quickened past proper international stars Addeybb and Mishriff was close to sensational.

O’Brien says of that Sandown win which resulted in a rise to 127 in the LONGINES International Ratings: “Ryan (Moore) was blown away by what the colt did out there. He couldn’t believe how well he quickened when he asked him. He gave the two older horses first run but once he accelerated he put it to bed very quickly. He relaxes, quickens and puts his head down. He does everything right.”

York is a left-handed, almost flat track, with a long home straight of about 900m: “I think it will suit him,” says six-times winning International trainer O’Brien where tactics for St Mark’s Basilica will surely be for a patient approach yet again.

And multiple G1 winning filly Love and Joan Of Arc – the 2021 Prix de Diane (French Oaks) winner over Chantilly’s 2100m – are two other possible elite International contenders for the Ballydoyle stable.

The hugely versatile moneyspinner Mishriff – already the hero of the 2021 Saudi Cup (1800m dirt) and the Dubai Sheema Classic (2410m turf) – was 3.75l behind St Mark’s Basilica in the Eclipse and before his 1.75l second to Epsom Derby winner Adayar in Ascot’s G1 King George V1 and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2392m).

Thady Gosden, who trains Mishriff in partnership with his father John, said: “Mishriff is very tough and has come out of that Ascot run well.” Galloping with his head held low as usual he looked in great shape prior to this first experience of York as he worked in front of a big crowd at Newmarket on Wednesday (11 August).

Trainer William Haggas whose stable is in sensational form looks set to run both Alenquer and Mohaafeth. The former, switched from the longer G2 Great Voltigeur Stakes (2371m), also on Wednesday, will surely need a ferocious pace to aim at, having looked a stayer when winning Royal Ascot’s G2 King Edward VII Stakes (2392m).

And strong-travelling Mohaafeth, another of the stable’s Royal Ascot winners when landing the G3 Hampton Court Stakes (1993m), requires a fast surface on this elevation to G1 company, a possibility according to current ground predictions.