Racing: Can longshot Jonathan Josh make it four for Vinny?

One jockey stands out in New Zealand Derby statistics over the past 10 years - Vinny Colgan.

The Matamata-based jockey has won the Derby on Roysyn, Zonda and Hades - a trio trained by modern day "Derby King" Roger James.

In the 2004 Derby at Ellerslie today, Colgan will ride Jonathan Josh - a 24-1 shot with the NZ TAB in fixed odds betting.

This will be the first time Colgan has ridden the Taupiri-trained gelding but he has a high opinion of the three-year-old.

"I've watched Jonathan Josh race a few times and he really impressed me in his last start when he finished second behind Cheval De Troy in the Derby Trial at Ellerslie," said Colgan.

"It was his first attempt at 2000 metres and he ran home solidly behind a horse who is the favourite for the Derby.

"He has had two starts at Ellerslie for two placings and we will end up starting at barrier 10 which is a good alley for a 2400 metre race.

"I'll talk things over with John [Morell, trainer] about how he wants the horse ridden but the ideal scenario would be handy to the pace and covering no extra ground.

"I like riding in the Derby and I've won it three times on different types of athletes.

"Zonda was a pure athlete who had brilliance and he's still the best horse I have ever ridden.

"He sprinted three times during the Derby when he won it in 1997 and won it with me easing down on him at the finish.

"Roysyn and Hades were more staying types of three-year-olds that had to really slug it out to win.

"Hades was a great achievement because the horse got into the Derby on a rushed preparation and things really clicked for him over the last month heading into the race."

Colgan maintains that a number of three-year-olds each year will be "found out" over the 2400 metre distance of the Derby.

"I know a lot people may think it's strange that a horse can look impressive running over 2000 metres but quite often they struggle with the jump up to 2400 metres.

"Sure it's only an extra 400 metres but what that means is that the pressure goes on a lot earlier in a race like the Derby and a lot of three-year-olds can't cope with the extra pressure and stress."

- HERALD ON SUNDAY