The Euro/Middle Eastern path to the 2027 Kentucky Derby kicked off on Saturday when the 3-2 favorite, Haffner, won the $156,500 Tattersalls Online Royal Lodge Stakes (G2) at Newmarket. Owned by U.S.-based Peter Brant and Brook Smith, alongside Coolmore partners and Westerberg, the Justify colt—bred in Kentucky by D. J. Stables and the Justify Syndicate—accelerated in the final furlong to secure a 1 1/4-length win over late-charging Burning Up. Quicken Away came in third, followed by First Law and Quest for Stars.
The top five finishers earned Kentucky Derby qualifying points on a 10-5-3-2-1 scale, moving them closer to eligibility for the 2027 Kentucky Derby (G1). Trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Ryan Moore, Haffner completed the one-mile race in a time of 1:35.44.
O’Brien mentioned that Haffner’s next possible start could be the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) on October 30 at Keeneland. By Zoffany mare Earth Strike (IRE), Haffner has now posted a record of three wins and two runner-up finishes in six starts overall. Last year, he was purchased for $375,000 at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale.
Fan Take: This thrilling victory by Haffner highlights the rising international influence shaping the future of the Kentucky Derby, adding exciting depth to the competition. For horse racing fans, it signals the global talent pool is stronger than ever, making the road to the Derby more unpredictable and exciting.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
