Richard Hannon is confident Strong Suit will strike at Group One level before the season is out following his courageous effort in Sunday’s Prix Jean Prat at Chantilly.
The three-year-old was a big disappointment when fancied to give Frankel something to think about in Newbury’s Greenham Stakes at the start of the season, but a subsequent breathing operation appears to have turned his career around.
The chestnut impressed when winning the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot and almost made all in France at the weekend, only to be caught in the shadows of the post by both Mutual Trust and Zoffany.
Hannon is now planning to return his charge to seven furlongs (1400m) at Glorious Goodwood.
“Hughesie (Richard Hughes) rode a great race from the front, slowing things down and then quickening the tempo to suit his needs, and it was just a shame that they were mowed down close to home,” the trainer told his website.
“Dropping back to seven furlongs won’t be a problem, and the Lennox, which is on the first day (July 26) of the Goodwood meeting, looks the perfect race as Strong Suit does not incur a penalty.
“Similarly, the Hungerford Stakes (Newbury, August 13) is right up his street and if Strong Suit comes through those two races safely, we can start looking at another Group One.
“We have always maintained that he was a very good colt, and I am sure that he will win one at the top level before the end of the season.”
PA AAP TURF
