Haafhd odds look generous Racing News round-up

The Newmarket 2,000 Guineas winner Haafhd is rated just fourth best by the bookmakers if he does travel to the Curragh on Saturday…

The Newmarket 2,000 Guineas winner Haafhd is rated just fourth best by the bookmakers if he does travel to the Curragh on Saturday week to try and double up in the Irish version.

Cashmans have started betting on the Boylesports Irish 2,000 Guineas and make the Newmarket flop One Cool Cat their 6 to 4 favourite.

Azamour, the Newmarket third, is next best on 11 to 4 while Grey Swallow, who finished fourth in England is at 3 to 1 with Haafhd rated a 4 to 1 shot.

No decision has been taken by Barry Hills on an Irish expedition by Haafhd but the situation is likely to become clearer after the colt works at the weekend.

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Meanwhile, it's now 19 months since One Night Out broke his steeplechasing duck at Fairyhouse and this evening the Willie Mullins-trained horse is back at the track to try and do it again.

One Night Out was subsequently one of the losers in the morphine-feed saga and lost that chase "victory" at the Turf Club.

Since then he has been searching in vain for the winning formula but he will rarely get a better chance than in the second Beginners chase tonight where he will be much the most experienced, with 12 previous starts over fences.

One Night Out's last three starts have been over hurdles but Ruby Walsh has managed to get a good tune out of the horse over fences in the past and the partnership can come out on top.

It could be a very good evening indeed for Walsh who also goes in the first Beginners Chase on the enigmatic Atlantic Rhapsody. The former Lincoln winner should be suited by the small field and has the clear edge on experience with Always.

Walsh also rides Red Or White for Mullins in the handicap hurdle and the stayer can improve on a head second to Trail Storm at Punchestown.

Wests Awake is 7lb higher for a four-length defeat of Adolphus at Clonmel last week but that may not be enough stop him following up in the handicap chase while the Cathal Ryan-owned O'Driscoll looks the one in the maiden hurdle.

Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor

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