Haatef in class of his own Racing Naas Preview

It may be a Group One weekend at the Curragh but Naas will have its own Group One performer this evening whethe 2,000 Guineas…

It may be a Group One weekend at the Curragh but Naas will have its own Group One performer this evening whethe 2,000 Guineas disappointment Haatef returns to action.

Kevin Prendergast's Danzig colt started just a 7 to 1 shot at Newmarket but failed to fire on the fast ground and managed only 10th behind Cockney Rebel.

As a juvenile, Haatef was unlucky not to be placed in the Dewhurst, and his 116 rating puts him in a different parish to his six rivals in tonight's seven-furlong conditions race.

He should be well capable of taking this €20,000 pot at his leisure before returning to the highest grade.

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Sorolla holds an entry in Sunday's Celebration Stakes at the Curragh but could take in this evening's 10-furlong conditions event en route.

Aidan O'Brien's colt finally broke his maiden at Cork on his last start and did so in style by 13 lengths.

His two best runs have come at Cork, which suggests a flat track might suit him best, but he brings winning form to the event, unlike both Blackberry Boy and the ex-John Oxx-trained Nasafar.

Dusty Trail drops back from nine furlongs for the six-furlong maiden and, based on his third to Contest at Navan, the sprint should suit him much better.

Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor is the racing correspondent of The Irish Times. He also writes the Tipping Point column