Wrong Suit on show at the Curragh

Richard Hannon junior is adamant Strong Suit did not show his true colours when beaten at odds-on in the Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh yesterday.

The chestnut displayed a potent turn of foot to win Royal Ascot’s Coventry Stakes, prompting connections to describe the Rahy colt as the pick of their incredibly strong juvenile team.

However, having cut out much of the running in the Group One, Strong Suit had no more to give as Aidan O’Brien’s Zoffany, a well beaten sixth at Royal Ascot, quickened up best to win smartly.

“He’s have come out of the race fine. We’ve scoped him and haven’t had the results back yet, but there doesn’t appear to be too much wrong with him,” said Hannon junior, son and assistant to trainer Richard.

“The form with Zoffany from the Coventry run was totally turned around, so it was disappointing from that point of view.

“Maybe he had an off day, maybe he wasn’t good enough, only time will tell.

“We’re not sure yet where we’re going to go next with him. He’s in the Middle Park and the Dewhurst, so we’ll pick our options carefully.

“I’m sure he’s better than he showed on Sunday.”