Notable Speech has all the answers in G1 Woodbine Mile

Notable Speech joined Modern Games and Master Of The Seas on the Woodbine Mile roll of honour with a decisive victory in the highlight of Turf Champions Day at Woodbine, Canada, on Saturday, 13 September.

Last season’s G1 2,000 Guineas and G1 Sussex Stakes winner was half a stride slow leaving the gates before William Buick rushed up to dispute fifth down the inside rail heading into the first turn.

Switched out leaving the back, Notable Speech travelled ominously behind the leading quartet turning in and the Charlie Appleby-trained four-year-old unleashed his trademark turn of foot in the straight.

The Dubawi colt reeled in longtime leader My Boy Prince half a furlong out before forging clear to score by an easy length and three-quarters.

Modern Games (2022) and Master Of The Seas (2023) both followed up their Woodbine victories with success in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Mile, and Notable Speech looks set to head to Del Mar in November, having finished an unlucky third in the same race last year.

Charlie Appleby said: “Notable Speech produced what we hoped he would do, and it was a brave ride by William up the inside. Hopefully, that will put him spot on for a return trip to Del Mar for another crack at the Breeders’ Cup Mile.”

William Buick added: “The normal outer turf track at Woodbine suits a European style of racing, but we were on the inside track today, which changed the dynamics of the races a lot. I think our horses find it challenging, so I wasn’t going to give up my position on Notable Speech, who is an experienced horse.

“He had to be brave for a little bit but, once he got into that position, he relaxed beautifully and got into a nice rhythm. For me, he was winning from a long way out. It was very frustrating in the Prix Jacques Le Marois, when he deserved to win, but he has put it right today.

“Fingers crossed, he can go to Del Mar for the Breeders’ Cup Mile with every chance.”