Absolute freak "Overdose".

Absolute freak’ Overdose set for British campaign


HUNGARY: Connections of the remarkable Overdose are eyeing an extensive British campaign this summer for the Hungarian sprinter described as an "absolute freak" by international handicappers.

The unbeaten son of Starborough was rated the world's leading three-year-old sprinter in the World Thoroughbred Rankings, which were released this week in London, with a mark of 120 - just a pound behind European champion Marchand D'Or.

Trainer Sandor Ribarszki and owner Zoltan Mikoczy are planning to give Overdose his seasonal debut at home in Budapest before travelling to Britain for as many as three races, starting with the Group 2 Temple Stakes at Haydock on May 23 before a crack at Royal Ascot and the July Cup.

"He is stronger,fresher and very relaxed mentally," said Mikoczy. "This year we would like to take part in the Global Sprint Challenge series.

"But first in the middle of April he is going to run a race in Hungary at Kincsem Park, which is going to be organised mainly for his Hungarian and central European fans," he added.

"Then in the beginning of May he will travel to England and the plan is to run in the Temple Stakes. After this, we will go to Royal Ascot and then to the July Cup.

"Of course everything depends on the horse's fitness and health - for us the most important thing is always Overdose's welfare, not the money."

The panel responsible for producing the World Thoroughbred Rankings could hardly have sounded more enthusiastic about Overdose, whom they admitted had been tricky to assess in light of his experience at Longchamp on Arc day.

Then, he ran away with the voided Prix del'Abbaye in which the majority of the field pulled up after a false start, only to miss the re-run as connections felt he had taken too much out of himself.

Although Marchand D'Or went on to complete a Group 1 hat-trick, times and video evidence suggested Overdose might well have won if he had taken part - and he went on to give 8lb and a hefty beating to Abbaye eighth Black Mambazo next time out in a Group 3 in Rome.

Mikoczy was delighted Overdose had attracted such attention from the handicappers.

He said: "We are pleased with this high rating because it means that the experts think it appropriate for Overdose to be on this high level, despite the fact that officially, he has not run in aGroup 1 race."

"We do not want to compare him to Marchand D'Or but we have confidence in an even more successful future

Dave I thought JJ was rated 120 as well???

Turf sprinter ratings for 2008 by IFHA:

123 Sacred Kingdom (2003)
122 Weekend Hussler (2004)
121 Apache Cat (2002)
121 Marchand d'Or (2003)
120 J J The Jet Plane (2004)
120 Overdose (2005)

Overdose is the highest rated 3 y/o. J J and the others above are older.

Oh yea JJ a 4yr old - Doh - lol!

I came close to buying this colt after he won his last race at 2, but the price was very aggressive and his form was highly suspect. But he so dominated his opposition I was still intrigued. The deal fell apart in the end when I wouldn't go for the idea of leaving him with his trainer and wanted to take him to my guy in Germany. Needless to say, I screwed up royally on this one.

JJ the champ!!!!!!! Will Overdose and JJ ever meet? When is JJ running again?

imho 1000-1100m slight edge to Overdose

BUT 1200-1400m 100% JJ!!!

In the hands of MDK..... He will get him there! This horse I firmly believe is gonna be one of SA's greatest!

I think he's running toward the end of the month? Lucky???