Newmarket report: Haffner confirms debut promise with smooth success

Haffner went one better than his esteemed stablemate Constitution River managed 12 months ago in the Rossdales British EBF Maiden Stakes on July Cup day at Newmarket.

The latter was beaten a short head by Distant Storm in the corresponding race last season but has not tasted defeat since, establishing himself as Aidan O’Brien’s star three-year-old this term with victories in the French Derby and Coral-Eclipse.

Haffner had looked a winner in waiting when making late gains to finish second behind another Ballydoyle juvenile in Abraham Lincoln on his Curragh debut two weeks ago and after being sent straight to the front by Ryan Moore, the 5-4 favourite was always doing enough to keep Al Wathba at bay by a length and a half.

Paul Smith, son of Coolmore partner Derrick Smith, said: “He was very smooth, Ryan was very happy with him. He enjoyed to step up to seven (furlongs) and enjoyed the ground and looks like a stakes horse going forward.

“Aidan was happy to send him across, he’s very laid back and travels well, so we knew that wouldn’t be a problem and he took it all in his stride.

“He’s got a bit of a way to go to get to Constitution River’s level, but it’s a nice start.”