Johannesburg continues to impress

Johannesburg maintained his unbeaten record with an impressive victory in the Group 3 Anglesey Stakes in front of a modest crowd at headquarters, writes Alan Magee.

The son of Hennessy showed good speed to land the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot last month, and this step up to an extended six furlongs proved no problem.

Michael Kinane switched him out from a pocket behind the leaders approaching the furlong pole, and he quickly sprinted clear to beat stablemate Wiseman`s Ferry by four lengths.

`He is a very good colt and, along with Rock Of Gibraltar (winner of the Railway Stakes here on Derby day), we will decide between the Phoenix Stakes at Leopardstown and the Prix Morny for his next run`, said trainer Aidan O`Brien.

The master of Ballydoyle also described Galileo as `a strong possibility` for the King George, and reports Mozart on course for the Nunthorpe Stakes at York following his recent July Cup success.

The Goffs International Stakes attracted just three runners, and Distant Music made all to land this Group 2 contest in comfortable fashion. Richard Hughes` mount was pushed out to beat Muakaad by a length and a half, with Bonnard the same distance adrift in third.

`He is a good horse, with a high cruising speed`, said trainer Barry Hills, who nominated the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood and York`s Juddmonte International as likely targets.

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