Strong Suit Ships to Longchamp With Eye on Breeders' Cup Mile

As Saturday's Betfair Celebration Mile draws nearer by the day, we have seen one of the key contenders drop out because of unsuitable going at Goodwood. Strong Suit, trained by Richard Hannon, has been one of the outside fancies for the 2011 Breeders' Cup Mile and has been looking at a variety of prep races to prepare the son of Rahy for a kick at the Breeders' Cup Mile can.

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While winning a few group races in Europe is definitely an achievement, the obvious focus of the Breeders' Cup Mile is certainly not Strong Suit – it's living legend Goldikova. The super-mare has had a bit of a shaky season but her connections remain firmly focused on running her in Louisville again this year with an unprecedented fourth Breeders' Cup Mile

The bookmakers have placed Goldikova as the 6/4 ante post favourite despite a few forgettable results this season. No other odds for additional contender in the mile have been released but punters can count on Strong Suit carrying a solid price should he line up.

The current plan seems to be shipping Strong Suit to Longchamp for the Prix De La Foret in October. It won't be his first trip to France, having been just collared on the line in the Prix Jean Prat at Chantilly but connections remain confident about his chances if the going suits him.

Speaking to the media for Strong Suit's connections Qatar Bloodstock Ltd. Trainer Richard Hannon declared “They quite rightly don't want to bottom the horse, so they have asked me to wait again with Strong Suit, who also missed the Hungerford at Newbury... The Breeders' Cup Mile is their number-one priority, but, though he is ready for a run, we will probably have to wait for the Prix de la Foret atLongchamp on Arc day.”

Poet's Voice now is listed as the favourite for the Celebration Mile.