Strong Suit is to be campaigned abroad after being sold by Julie Wood to Pearl Bloodstock.
The three-year-old will, however, remain in Richard Hannon’s stable and is likely to have his first test overseas for new connections in the Prix de la Foret at Longchamp on October 2.
First, he is set to run nearer to home in the Celebration Mile on Saturday week at Goodwood, the scene of his latest success in the Lennox Stakes.
Bloodstock agent David Redvers, who organised the purchase, said: “We hope and think Strong Suit will stay the mile (1600m) around Goodwood, but he showed both in the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot and again in the Lennox that seven furlongs (1400m) suited him perfectly, so the Prix de la Foret could be his ideal race.
“At least we would not have to take on Goldikova there as she heads for the Moulin, but we are likely to come up against Moonlight Cloud instead, so we won’t be in for an easy ride.
“I would be worried about Strong Suit staying the mile at Ascot, so instead of the QEII we are thinking more in terms of the Breeders’ Cup.
“He is getting stronger all the time and if he is going to get the mile anywhere, it will be at Churchill Downs,” he told www.richardhannonracing.tv.
Hannon is delighted Strong Suit will be staying in his yard.
“It was too good an offer for Julie (Wood) to refuse – she has 36 horses with us and needs to balance the books,” the trainer said.
“However, I am absolutely delighted that the new owners are keeping him in the yard and, hopefully, we’ll have plenty more big days together.”
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