Notable Speech drops back to sprinting and shakes up Newmarket’s traditional July Cup

Godolphin’s star colt, winner of the 2024 QIPCO 2000 Guineas (G1) in England, will face several dangerous sprint specialists this Saturday

Notable Speech Takes on New Challenge in July Cup / RACINGFOTOS.COM

NEWMARKET, Inglaterra (Special for Turf Diario).- If the 2025 edition of the July Cup (G1) already promised to be a spectacular contest featuring some of Europe’s top sprinters, the decision by Notable Speech to drop down in distance has turned it into one of the season’s most electrifying clashes. The Godolphin star, unbeaten in three starts as a three-year-old and most recently third in the Queen Anne Stakes (G1) at Royal Ascot, cuts back from a mile to six furlongs in a move that has Britain’s racing world buzzing.

The son of Dubawi, trained by Charlie Appleby, will take his chance down Newmarket’s July Course straight on Saturday, facing a specialised and demanding field. With William Buick aboard, Notable Speech has been installed as the early 5-2 favourite, backed by his natural brilliance and the smooth, low-headed galloping style that his jockey loves. “He has a fluent rhythm, a long stride, and nothing fazes him,” said the Norwegian-born champion rider. “If he handles the drop in trip, he could be something special as a sprinter too.”

But if there is one certainty in this July Cup, it is fierce competition. Flora of Bermuda (Dark Angel), third in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (G1), arrives at her peak for Ralph Beckett. A proven 1200-meter specialist with just the right amount of seasoning, and with her trainer in red-hot form, she is the solid alternative for conservative punters.

Ireland sends Whistlejacket (No Nay Never), the grey colt who has been one of the market movers this week. Trained by Aidan O’Brien and with Ryan Moore confirmed, he comes off a group win and has been backed in from 33-1 to 6-1, earning him the status of “dark horse” in the lineup. Tom Segal, one of Britain’s most respected tipsters, noted: “He’s the only one who can match Notable Speech late on.”

Also in the conversation is Symbol of Honour (Havana Grey), a rising three-year-old with four wins from five starts this season. Carrying the weight-for-age allowance and benefiting from a trend that has seen three-year-olds win five of the last ten runnings, he looms as a major player. Inisherin (Shamardal), representing Kevin Ryan, looks to bounce back after two flat efforts, this time with a visor and a tactical switch to rekindle his best form.

Adding to the intrigue is the swansong of Believing, the Mehmas filly who found glory in Dubai and now bids for one final Group 1 hurrah. Trained by George Boughey, she has earned the public’s respect and seeks to bow out on the highest note.

History will judge whether Notable Speech’s switch in distances was the right call. On class alone, he towers over this field. In terms of raw sprint speed, questions remain. But should he adapt to the searing pace of the sprint division, a new star could be born in Europe’s fastest ranks.