Haatef heading straight to Newmarket
Kevin Prendergast is happy to run Haatef in the Stan James 2000 Guineas at Newmarket next month without the need for a prep race.
The County Kildare trainer believes the Danzig colt will “give a good account of himself”.
Haatef had won his only start, a maiden at the Curragh, when he stepped up to Group One company for the Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket in October.
He put up a highly-creditable performance, finishing fourth to Teofilo, only beaten around three lengths, and was in front of yesterday’s impressive Craven winner Adagio.
“He’s going straight to Newmarket. He’s done very well over the winter and we’re very pleased with him,” said Prendergast.
“I don’t need to get a run into him – he’s fine.
“He had very little experience going into the Dewhurst and was beaten under three lengths so I think he’ll give a good account of himself.
“He had Adagio behind him in seventh in the Dewhurst and he’s won the Craven. My horse wants fast ground. I hope we get it at Newmarket and we’ll see what it happens.”
Haatef, owned by Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum, is 12-1 with the sponsors for the colts’ Classic on May 5.
