STRONG SUIT HANDED HQ CHALLENGE

Strong Suit could face up to 13 rivals in the Burj Khalifa Challenge Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday.

Richard Hannon's three-year-old has looked much improved since having a breathing operation following a disappointing run behind Frankel in Newbury's Greenham Stakes.

Victory in the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot was followed by an excellent third in the Prix Jean Prat at Chantilly.

He then returned to the winner's enclosure in the Lennox Stakes at Goodwood last time.

The champion trainer has also left in King Torus, while Giant Sandman could be an interesting contender for Norway's Rune Haugen.

David Elsworth's Eton Rifles was a fine second in the Ayr Gold Cup on his latest start and the Newmarket handler could be tempted to let his charge step back up to Pattern company if conditions are right.

"The horse is in good form and we might chuck our hat in the ring if this warm weather brings with it a few thundery showers," said Elsworth.

"We also have the option of running him at the Curragh on Sunday and conditions might be more favourable for him there.

"We'll have a look at the entries for both races, see what the weather does, and go from there."

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