Haffner (2c Justify - Earth Strike, by Zoffany) returned to winning ways with victory in the Group 2 Royal Lodge Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday. The Ballydoyle-trained son of Justify was adding a second Group win to his name after victory in last month’s Group 3 Acomb Stakes at York. Ridden by Ryan Moore, Haffner raced on the near side of centre and came to lead inside the final furlong, keeping on to win by a length and a quarter. Aidan O'Brien said: “The ground got soft at the Curragh the last day which didn't suit him. He's going to be a lovely middle-distance horse next year, he's going to be a French Derby type horse. He'll get the Guineas trip on his ear, will stay a mile and a quarter and could even get further, so I'm delighted. “He's a good mover and we didn't think the ground was going to be as soft as it was at the Curragh. He's a beautiful mover and we were happy to draw a line through that and he was always in control today. Ryan gave him a beautiful uncomplicated ride and it was very simple really. “His form was different class really and his only blip was in the National Stakes. We knew that was because of the ground and we knew he would get the mile very easily. He's an Acomb winner and his form is so strong.” He added: “America is very possible next, where he will get nice ground. He would love the Breeders' Cup round a bend and the mile would be very easy for him, so we'll see what the lads want to do. “America was always a possibility and the last day was a blip, but we had to come here today to make sure we knew exactly that it was and he's got back on track.” Haffner was bred by D J Stables and the Justify Syndicate.