ROYAL ASCOT: Change considered for Strong Suit (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

ROYAL ASCOT: Change considered for Strong Suit

1:15pm Wednesday 20th June 2012 in Sport

A RETURN to sprinting will be considered for Strong Suit following his disappointing performance behind the brilliant Frankel in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Collingbourne champion trainer Richard Hannon's four-year-old had reportedly been working the house down prior to what was his seasonal reappearance, but trailed home 10th of the 11 runners.

David Redvers, racing manager for owners Qatar Racing, does not see much point in taking on the world's highest-rated racehorse over a mile again, and Strong Suit could drop back to six furlongs for the July Cup.

Paying his tribute to Frankel, Redvers said: "I'm embarrassed to say that as a racing manager I did an appalling job as I actually didn't know where either of our horses finished immediately after the race, I was so transfixed by Frankel.

"It was an absolutely staggering performance and all of us are very lucky to be at Royal Ascot to see him and Black Caviar, who will hopefully do something similar in the Diamond Jubilee on Saturday.

"Strong Suit ran very fresh and badly needed the run, which was disappointing, but he lives to fight another day "There is absolutely no point in taking on Frankel again. I think as long as he stays at a mile you're going to struggle to get any opposition.

"We'll consider the Sussex Stakes if Frankel doesn't go there, or we might equally go back to six furlongs and supplement for the July Cup.

"The Hannon team have said all along he's got so much speed that going back in trip would be firmly an option, but we'll let the dust settle and see.

"The race that could be most up his street is the Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville, which is over six and a half furlongs."

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