Johannesburg drawn on rail in Kentucky

The overseas challenge for Saturday`s Kentucky Derby experienced differing fortunes at the draw for the big race on Wednesday.

Godolphin`s Essence of Dubai claimed an almost perfect position but Aidan O`Brien`s two runners Johannesburg and Castle Gandolfo met with less favourable positions at one and twelve respectively.

Connections of Breeders Cup juvenile winner Johannesburg were quick to play down the huge disadvantage of starting from the rail with jockey Gary Stevens saying: 'I`m still very excited and in a certain way going for the rail was in fact part of our strategy which I won`t let loose right now. To most people it`s not good but if it`s meant to be, it`s meant to be.'

Coolmore representative Demi O`Byrne said: 'I`m very enthusiastic. Obviously it`s a huge question to ask of Johannesburg but both horses are up to the challenge and Castle Gandolfo is pretty near the middle which isn`t too bad.

'Jerry Bailey is very happy with that draw and I`ve spoken to Aidan and he is also very happy.'

In complete contrast Godolphin`s Essence of Dubai enjoyed the luxury of being third in the selection order of the 20 starters and it was no surprise to see John Ferguson and Tom Albertrani opt for the eight berth after connections of Buddha and Medaglia d`Oro went for stalls ten and nine.

Ferguson observed: 'I`m absolutely delighted. Going in we were hoping for eight, nine or ten and when we were selected third it wasn`t a difficult decision to make picking the stall we did.

'Breaking from eight you have enough time to get a position in order to stay out of trouble and also to follow the speed horses through to the first bend.'

Asked whether he felt Essence of Dubai had enjoyed a better and more thorough preparation for the Derby than Sheik Mohammed`s previous runners in the contest, Ferguson added: 'Our runners in the past have always been burdened with a doubt over whether they would stay the distance but with Essence of Dubai we already know he has the stamina requirement as well as knowing that he won as a two-year-old which is another usual requirement for a Kentucky Derby winner.'

Morning Line maker Mike Battaglia has installed Harlan`s Holiday as the 9-2 favourite from his draw at seven. Buddha and Came Home share second favouritism at 5-1.

Bookmakers Coral today cut Johannesburg to 9-1 from 12-1 for race despite the colt`s apparently poor post position.

'Plenty of Kentucky Derby winners have come from the number one spot, far more than from box 14 where the favourite Harlan`s Holiday will run from,' reasoned Simon Clare, Coral spokesman.

'Saving ground on the inside is his best chance of staying the trip and all he needs then is some luck in running.'

Coral`s Kentucky Derby betting: 9-2 Buddha, Harlan`s Holiday, 11-2 Medaglio D`Oro, 9-1 Came Home, Johannesburg (from 12-1), 10-1 Saarland, Essence Of Dubai (from 14-1), 14-1 Castle Gandolfo, 16-1 Perfect Drift, War Emblem, Private Emblem, 25-1 Request For Parole, 33-1 Easy Grades, 40-1 Proud Citizen, Lusty Latin, Blue Burner, 50-1 Ocean Sound, Wild Horses, 66-1 Danthebluegrassman, It`sallinthechase.