The Breeders Cup Juvenile in three weeks' time is a target for Aidan O'Brien's Johannesburg after he stormed to victory in the Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket yesterday. It was O'Brien's 17th Group One winner of the season and gave him a lead of close to £1m in the British trainers' table. Yesterday's win almost certainly ensured that O'Brien will be the first overseas trainer to land the British championship since 1977.
O'Brien is confident of Johannesburg's prospects in the race on dirt at Belmont Park. "He has a dirt pedigree so we hope that won't be a problem. You can never be sure but I hope he'd handle the surface. He is a very smart horse, he is very fast and he quickens really well," said the Irish trainer.
Jockey Michael Kinane also paid tribute to the horse, following yesterday's victory. "He is very talented and he hasn't been stretched yet. He has a great temperament and great pace - he's an exceptional horse," said Kinane.
Johannesburg has remained unbeaten in all of its five races so far, and the Irish colt looks likely to have a crack at racing in the US. Having already won the Phoenix Stakes at Leopardstown and the Prix Morny at Deauville, Johannesburg has been quoted at 5-1 for the Juvenile by an English bookmaker.
Filed by Greg McKevitt
