Aristopolos justifies short quote in the Kevin Sharkie Elwick Stakes

St Mark’s Basilica has produced his first Australian stakes winner after Aristopolos maintained his unbeaten record with an impressive victory in the Listed Kevin Sharkie Elwick Stakes (1100m) at Hobart on Sunday.

The 2021 European Horse of the Year was represented by the John Blacker-trained colt, who entered the race as a hot favourite following two dominant wins at Launceston earlier in the season.

Ridden again by Erica Byrne Burke, Aristopolos settled comfortably in fourth position before being eased into the race on the home turn and finishing strongly to score by more than a length.

The victory took his earnings beyond $160,000 from just three starts, with the colt remaining unbeaten since debut.

Aristopolos was purchased for $60,000 at the Magic Millions Tasmania Sale from the Armidale Stud draft and was also bred by Armidale Stud.

He is the second foal to race and second winner from the stakes-performed Flying Krupt mare, and becomes the fourth stakes winner worldwide for St Mark’s Basilica.

His success marks the first Australian stakes winner for the sire, whose leading northern hemisphere performer to date has been Group 1-winning filly Diamond Necklace.