Johannesburg set for sprints

Johannesburg is set to tackle the season’s big sprinting prizes, his part-owner Michael Tabor has confirmed.

The Aidan O’Brien-trained colt proved be one of the best juvenile performers of last season taking the Prix Morny and Middle Park Stakes on his way to an impressive win in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile race at Belmont Park.

But the son of Hennessy was beaten on his seasonal debut in the Gladness Stakes at the Curragh before finishing eighth of the 18 runners behind War Emblem in the Kentucky Derby.

Johannesburg is now expected to be stepped back in trip and Tabor, who owns the colt along with Sue Magnier, revealed that two six furlong events, at Royal Ascot and Newmarket, are possible targets.

Speaking at Longchamp, Tabor said: ‘‘He will go for either the Cork and Orrery or the July Cup.’’