Haffner Impressive in Acomb Stakes Victory

Haffner was identified as a potential 2027 Two Thousand Guineas Stakes (G1) and Prix du Jockey Club (French Derby, G1) contender by Aidan O'Brien after landing the Acomb Stakes (G3) impressively under Ryan Moore Aug. 19 at York Racecourse. The 11-8 favorite was pushed along some way from home, but responded well, staying on powerfully to score by 2 lengths from Gentle Hurricane (IRE). With the victory, Haffner gets an automatic, fees-paid berth to the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf (G1T) Oct. 30 at Keeneland, as part of the Breeders' Cup Challenge Series: Win in the You're In. It was a second success in four starts for Haffner, who had finished half a length behind Dr Rascal (GB) in the Vintage Stakes (G2) at Goodwood Racecourse, where O'Brien felt he had raced babyishly. He appeared to benefit from that experience in recording his first success at group level here. O'Brien said: "I think he's a Guineas horse and a French Derby type. I'm not sure he'll get a mile and a half, but he'll get a mile and a quarter. "He's a typical Justify. He has a big, long stride and the stride doesn't shorten. Ryan said he got there earlier than he wanted, but he kept going well." Bred in Kentucky by D.J. Stables and Justify Syndicate, the son of 2018 Triple Crown winner Justify sold to M.V. Magnier and Peter Brant's White Birch Farm for $375,000 at the 2025 Keeneland September Yearling Sale out of the Taylor Made Sales Agency consignment.