Connections of Strong Suit believe he possesses the right attributes to dethrone the mighty Goldikova in the Breeders’ Cup Mile on Saturday week.
Goldikova has won the last three renewals of the Grade One prize but there has been evidence this season that her considerable powers are slightly on the wane, having suffered three defeats in her last four starts.
In contrast, Strong Suit appears to be progressing all the time, running away with Newmarket’s Challenge Stakes in the style of a top-notch performer.
Richard Hannon’s charge enjoyed a spin after racing at Newbury on Saturday and David Redvers, racing manager for the owners Qatar Bloodstock, feels he is heading to America in the form of his life.
“It wasn’t so much a piece of work. It was more just quickening up round a bend,” he said.
“He’s not yet raced round a sharp, left-handed bend and the best we could do at short notice was Newbury, who were very generous.
“He’s in great form – really, really good. The lads are telling me he’s better than he was before he went to Newmarket and if that’s the case, we’re delighted.
“He’s a gorgeous horse and he seems to be a horse who is getting better and Richard is mad keen to keep him training next year.
“Goldikova is the horse they’ve got to beat – she’s a legend. But he (Strong Suit) would certainly be the biggest threat, I would think.
“Goldikova is such a wonderfully admirable, tough and consistent mare. The problem is her style of running slightly sets her up to be shot down by a finisher.
“I would love to see her win at the Breeders’ Cup if we don’t, but if there is a horse that her style of running should suit, it will be our horse.
“I spend most nights going to sleep picturing Strong Suit coming hard on the bridle up to her shoulder approaching the line.
“I think she does look beatable. You’d be very foolish to discount her, but I think we’ve got the right horse to take her on.”
Redvers expects Strong Suit’s American start to be his last this season.
“He’s pencilled in for Hong Kong. If he were to stay in training and he looked like he’d take the whole thing (Breeders’ Cup) very easily, then we might consider Hong Kong,” Redvers added.
“But I can’t remember the last horse to win both.
“It’s tough ask, so I would think it will more than likely be his last run.”
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