Johannesburg price cut despite rail draw

Bookmakers Coral have cut Johannesburg to 9-1 from 12-1 for the Kentucky Derby despite the Aidan O’Brien-trained colt drawing an apparently poor post position in stall one of 20.

The Ballydoyle trainer’s other challenger Castle Gandolfo has been drawn 12.

Johannesburg’s jockey Gary Stevens commented: ‘‘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.’’

Essence of Dubai was trimmed to 10-1 from 14-1 by the Barking firm after drawing the eight box.