Dual Derby winner Galileo, trained by Aidan O'Brien, is rated inferior to Sinnidar, winner of the Vodafone and Budweiser Irish Derbys in 2000 following the publication of the International Classifications today. Galileo, who won both races last season, has been given a rating of 129, 3lb less than the Aga Khan's champion three-year-old colt of 2000.
Galileo had a remarkable season in 2001, winning his two Derbys at Epsom and the Curragh before outgunning Fantastic Light by two lengths in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot in July. However, having suffered defeat in his final two races, he is not the highest-rated three-year-old cold of 2001. That distinction goes to the American star Point Given, who has been handed a rating of 130. O'Brien has two other horses in the three-year-old top 10, Milan and Mozart, who are both given a rating of 125.
Meanwhile, Johannesburg, winner of the Breeders' Cup Juvenile and also from the O'Brien stable, is champion two-year-old of Europe with a rating of 126 and is also the top miler of last season. His win over an extended mile at Belmont Park was his fourth successive triumph in a Group One, all in different countries. He won the Independent Waterford Wedgwood Phoenix at Leopardstown, the Prix Morny Casinos Barriere at Deauville and the Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket. O'Brien is also responsible for the joint-second rated two-year-old, Hawk Wing.
However, being crowned Europe's champion two-year-old of 2001 may be something of a poisoned chalice for Johannesburg. None of the last six juveniles to top the international classifications went on to score at the top level the following season. Indeed, no fewer than 12 of the horses to top the two-year-old listings since 1981 failed to win a Group One race at three.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
