Fairyhouse preview:The ground conditions at Fairyhouse tomorrow might have more in common with an Irish Grand National than normal midsummer flat racing, but they are not expected to be a problem for Haatef's continued progress through the ranks in the featured Belgrave Stakes.
Kevin Prendergast's high-class runner was one of the leading fancies for the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket in May following an unlucky-in-running fourth in last year's Dewhurst.
The quick going in the classic was not expected to be a problem for a son of Danzig, but Prendergast was inclined afterwards to blame it for Haatef finishing out of the money.
Sure enough, there was quite a gap before he reappeared and duly did what a long-odds-on favourite should do at Naas in a conditions race. Now he is up to Listed class on very testing going, but Prendergast doesn't see that as an issue.
"He's an intended starter and the going shouldn't be a problem. I had the full sister, who won an Athasi on soft ground, and he has won himself with a cut in it," the Curragh trainer said yesterday. "He's in fine form and couldn't be better in himself."
That being the case, this six furlong event should be Haatef's for the taking based on an official 116 rating that sees him get 5lb from the 111-rated Confuchias, who has to hump a Group Three penalty.
Prendergast could also hold the key to the conditions race, although Ashaawes will have to be a lot better than he was on his Irish debut at the Curragh over Derby weekend. The regally bred four-year-old was well fancied for a Listed race but faded to stone-last behind Danehill Music.
A lot better than that was expected, so another chance can be given to him.
Kieren Fallon returns to action with four rides, including the Ballydoyle runner One Great Cat, who looks to have the best chance among the quartet in the six-furlong maiden.
Raise Your Heart, a €30,000 purchase as a foal, has not been the easiest to train, but he got it right in spades at Leopardstown on Wednesday evening when running out a two-length winner over Romorca.
Joanna Morgan's runner has a 5lb penalty for that in the nine-furlong handicap, but the ground will be no problem and Raise Your Heart is clearly on good terms with himself right now.
The ability to act in the conditions is also a proven factor with Miss Clonyn, whose neck second to Four Penny Lane at Navan on her last start makes the choice among those with form for the opening fillies maiden.
