Review CURRAGH 7TH APR

Johannesburg continued the terrible record of favourites in the Gladness Stakes when the 1/3 shot was touched off in the E70,000 feature by the fast finishing Rebelline.

Rebelline, representing Chryss O'Reilly whose Castlemartin & La Louviere Studs sponsored the Group 3 event, would have been a very unlucky loser.

The 4yo filly appeared to have an impossible task when trapped on the far rail over a furlong out.

However she sprouted wings when switched out to challenge by Declan McDonogh, and flew home to catch the odds-on fav in the final stride.

The result was confirmed after a stewards enquiry, but McDonogh was given a one day suspension for careless riding.

'Everything is very much up in the air. He's lost his unbeaten record but its not the end of the world,' was Aidan O'Brien's immediate reaction to Johannesburg's defeat.

Winning trainer Kevin Prendergast reported that Rebelline had a back problem earlier this year, and may head next for the Prix Ganay if there is some cut in the ground.

Cashmans have dismissed Johannesburg as a Kentucky Derby contender going 25/1 (from 9/2), while Hawk Wing has generally shortened in price for the 2,000 Guineas.

Indeed Prendergast and McDonogh took star billing on the sun-drenched afternoon when completing a 134/1 treble.

Cat Belling started the ball rolling in the 2yo auction fillies maiden, prominent throughout and holding on by 1/2L from Flamingo Bay.

Sandford Park won in contrasting fashion, swooping late on the far rail to deny Hasikiya by 1/2L in the 1m maiden.

The O'Brien/Kinane team were on the mark in the 10f maiden where Black Sam Bellamy justified odds-on support, and he was given a 33/1 quote by Paddy Power for the Epsom Derby.

'I wouldn't be surprised if he turned into a French Derby horse. High Chaparrel will probably go for the Ballysax Race at Leopardstown,' said O'Brien.

Dermot Weld and Pat Smullen combined for a 39/1 double with handicappers Tiger Royal and Prize Time.

Tiger Royal quickened over a furlong out for a cosy 2 1/2L win in the 6f race, while Prize Time went clear at the furlong pole for a convincing success over 9f.

'My horses are a bit backward, and both of these have improved from their first run. Prize Time may run next at Cork in a fortnight,' said Weld.

Ned Kelly is on course for the Champion Hurdle at Punchestown after justifying strong support (5/4-4/5) in the 2m race.

The attendance of 6,709 was up by nearly 2,000 on the corresponding meeting last year.

Alan Magee