Mikel Delzangles is resigned to putting down Makfi's poor performance in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes to a dislike of Ascot.
The French-trained colt could only finish fifth behind Poet's Voice in the Group One over a mile to suffer the second defeat of his career.
The only other blot on his copybook came in the St James's Palace Stakes at the Royal meeting when he was found to have a throat infection.
In contrast, his four victories include the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket and the Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville where he defeated Goldikova and Paco Boy.
'He's OK. We didn't find anything wrong with him. The jockey never felt well on him during the whole race. I think he doesn't like Ascot,' said Delzangles.
'The horse was nervous and he never travelled well. The jockey never felt happy any time in the race that he was well.
'It was very disappointing but can't see anything other than he didn't like the track. He has had two defeats at Ascot while everywhere else he has been great. Last time he had a throat infection and maybe he remembered it. That could be an explanation.'
The Breeders' Cup Mile had been Makfi's main objective and connections will see how the horse in the next 10 days before deciding whether to still aim for Churchill Downs in early November.
'We will discuss that in the next 10 days. We will see how he recovers from the race and how he is,' Delzangles added.
