Haffner completed a double for Aidan O'Brien and is already sparking dreams of the Epsom Derby
The son of Justify scored an authoritative victory in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf (G1), defeating Joseph O'Brientrainee Folsom Blues by 1 3/4 lengths. The performance marked the second win of the card for the Irish master trainer,who reached 23 career World Championship triumphs to reclaim sole possession of the top spot in the all-time standings
LEXINGTON, Kentucky (From a special correspondent).— Aidan O'Brien capped an extraordinary afternoon at Keeneland with another top-level victory and a colt who promises to become one of his premier stars in 2027. Haffnerdominated the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf (G1) over 1,600 meters on the lawn to complete a double for the Irish master trainer, who hours earlier had celebrated with Sun Goddess (Sioux Nation) in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1).
The son of Justify took full advantage of a dream trip under Ryan Moore to score an authoritative 1 3/4-length victory over favorite Folsom Blues (Blue Point), trained by Joseph O'Brien, son of the winning conditioner.
The victory carried immense historical weight. O'Brien reached 23 career Breeders' Cup triumphs, reclaiming sole ownership of the all-time trainer standings after Bob Baffert had briefly equaled him when Hughes (Into Mischief) won the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1).
Haffner entered with strong credentials, notably coming off a victory in the Royal Lodge Stakes (G2) at Newmarket in late September. Yet his performance in Kentucky left the impression that he still possesses vast upside to develop further.
“He is improving and getting better all the time. He's a big colt, very typical of Justify. With time and as the distances increase, he'll be even better,” O'Brien stated.
The race flow unfolded flawlessly for the winner. Breaking from post position 4, he quickly established a ideal pocket trip along the rail, tracking Avec Toi (No Nay Never), who was tasked with setting the tempo.
The pacesetter set fractions of 23.02 seconds for the opening 400 meters and 46.80 for the 800, while Moore kept Haffner relaxed and in hand.
Straightening for home, the British rider found running room two paths off the rail and asked his mount for his maximum effort. Haffner responded with a sustained acceleration, collared Avec Toi at mid-stretch, and pulled away with authority, holding off the late bid of Folsom Blues.
The favorite, who had dropped back after a slow start, rallied strongly to snatch the runner-up spot by a nose over Avec Toi.
“He had a good draw and the fastest horses were drawn inside him. Everything was quite straightforward. He always found the right position and every time I asked him for something, he responded,” Moore explained.
The winner returned $9.46 to win, securing his second consecutive victory and building on his progression shown at Newmarket.
Bred in Kentucky by D J Stables and Justify Syndicate, Haffner is a son of Justify out of Earth Strike, by Zoffany.He was purchased for $375,000 at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale.
Yet the most compelling storyline emerged post-race, as both his trainer and jockey aligned in pointing to him as a legitimate classic contender for Europe's top races next season.
“I think he'll be a horse for next year's classic races. He will have no issue getting 2,000 meters and probably even further. He has enormous quality,” O'Brien declared.
Moore was even more specific: “I think he fits the profile of an Epsom Derby horse. He finished up very well and shouldn't have any trouble staying 2,400 meters.”
The victory also added a unique chapter to the family rivalry, as Aidan once again bested his son Joseph, who conditioned the beaten favorite Folsom Blues.
“It's the least enjoyable part of competing against each other, but his horse ran a great race,” the winning trainer admitted.
Joseph accepted the outcome gracefully: “We're used to it. With my brother Donnacha, we live these situations every day in Ireland. I'm very proud of Folsom Blues. He broke a bit to his left, ended up further back than planned, and finished up brilliantly,” he commented.
The Juvenile Turf concluded the Future Stars Friday program, reinforcing Aidan O'Brien's dominant record in the juvenile turf races of the Breeders' Cup.
The trainer expressed regret that Great Barrier Reef (No Nay Never) could not line up after being scratched earlier in the week, but found a definitive winner in Haffner. Scratches also included Induction and Man's Best Friend (No Nay Never), leaving a field of twelve.
With Sun Goddess and Haffner, O'Brien swept the two major juvenile turf features and rewrote the history books of the Breeders' Cup once again.
And as he celebrated his 23rd victory, his gaze was already turning toward 2027: Haffner, by virtue of his physique,pedigree, and the authority of his performance, has inspired a far grander dream—that of becoming a prime contender for the Epsom Derby.
Comments