O'Brien may go to Kentucky

RACING/News: Aidan O'Brien yesterday rejuvenated hopes that Johannesburg may yet run in the Kentucky Derby with a final decision likely to be made next week.

The Breeders' Cup winner suffered his first defeat in last Sunday's Gladness Stakes at the Curragh, after which certain firms stopped quoting him for the American classic in favour of the Sagitta 2,000 Guineas.

However, O'Brien said yesterday: "If everything went well, we would love to go for the Kentucky Derby. We would learn a lot by going and we can pull him back in trip at any time if he doesn't stay."

Stamina doubts at a mile and a quarter hang over Johannesburg but the strength in depth among the Ballydoyle three-year-olds could still see him take on the best in the US.

"We have a lot of possibles for the Guineas and they all can't go. I have no doubt Johannesburg gets a mile but how far he can get we don't know. What we do know is that he loves the dirt and he has wonderful pace.

"The Gladness must be the toughest trial in the world at this time of year. I would think seven furlongs at the Curragh on that ground are like nine furlongs anywhere else. But it did show he still has the same cruising speed, if not more so," said O'Brien.

As for jockey plans, he revealed: "It would be nice to see Michael (Kinane) on Johanesburg because he has ridden him all the time." The trainer added that if Johannesburg does travel for the May 4th classic, he will be accompanied by the Lingfield Trial winner Castle Gandolfo.

"It's a long way back if one doesn't run well," he said. "With two there's always another to look at!"

Record breaking jockey Tony McCoy may finish his season with an appearance at Punchestown's festival meeting (April 23rd-26th). "Hopefully I'll get some bookings in the big races," he said yesterday. McCoy may also be joined by Aintree Grand National winner Jim Culloty who expressed an interest in going to the Kildare event.