I heard alot of buzz about the chances of this horse today. There are some knowledgable people in SoCal that seem to really like this guy's shot. Yet, I am still hearing that he is no cinch to go from other sources. Lots of confusion this year for sure! I think some of the people tended to dismiss this colt when he looked like chalk. Now that he appears to be a decent price, his stock has risen.
Johannesburg
- Thread starter ferdville
- Start date
Heard he came back to the walking ring real tired after his last (and lone race in 2002) race. This just looks like Arazi all over again; both were unbeaten as 2 YO with impressive wins in the BC Juvenile. Then, Arazi's trainer decided his Triple Crown preps for Jan-Apr 1992 would be one lone turf race vs a weak stakes field. Arazi went off as the favorite in the Derby and finished way back; maybe 12th or so. Johannesburg's connections are following the exact same path. His lone race was at 7f on the turf and he was bet down to around 2 to 5 and got beat by a 3 YO filly. The horses who've had tough preps seem better able to handle the rigors of the Triple Crown.
I sort of felt the same way, in fact, felt that his own connections had given up on him. But there were some knowledgable people throwing the name around yesterday as having a big shot and it caught me off guard. I wondered if I had missed something.
Why would the connections of this horse only give him one prep before the Derby? History says you cannot win a Derby with only one prep. I would of liked to see 2 preps before he went to the Derby. His only race was a 7-Furlong race on the grass and now he has to go 5-Furlongs more in the Derby. Just doesnt make sense but they might know what they doing. I know my money will not be on this horse even in the exactas and trifectas.
I agree. And most overseas horses perform here much better with at least one prep here. This horse is going against all that is common sense. Tough to play under these conditions, but he sems to have his supporters. Don't think I will be one of them.
I hear both horses will stay in Lexington and will van over the morning of the race. That's enough for me to kick these two out of my trifectas. Think about it: you are Johannesburg and you are about to run the biggest race of your life in front of 150,000 drunk, screaming maniacs and you have to van over from Lexington on the morning of the race?? That's bull$hit. Many horses, especially younger ones, don't handle shipping all that well. Its doubtful the horse will be relaxed; its as if they are trying to create an extra obstacle for him.
And even worse than that, his regular Jock. is over here to ride in the Ken. Oaks on friday, but turned down the mount on Johannesburg. That on top of everything you guys pointed out totally puts me off of him.
Good luck everyone, hope you all cash in the Derby!
Skanoochies.
Good luck everyone, hope you all cash in the Derby!
Skanoochies.
