Richard Hughes said today that he is likely to revert to hold-up tactics on Strong Suit following his shock defeat in the Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh..
Richard Hannon's two-year-old showed an electric turn of foot to win the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot, but was ridden more prominently in Ireland when finishing only third to Zoffany.
Hughes told At The Races: "I don't know what happened at the Curragh. My first reaction was that he would scope badly, but he didn't so it was probably the fact he was ridden handy that he didn't like," said Hughes.
"The first day he was left in front a furlong out and at Ascot he went down a bit keen but then he got shuffled around a bit and I ended up coming late.
"So at the Curragh he was drawn six of seven - he was the best horse in the race - and I jumped in third place.
"I was cantering at the two-furlong pole but as soon as I hit the front I knew I wasn't going to win. My gut reaction was that he mustn't be right. I got a similar feeling off Canford Cliffs in the Prix Morny last year.
"That's what happens with these talented horses - they do everything so easy at home - so I imagine we'll be holding him up."
