Notable Speech returned to being Notable Speech and already sets his sights on another Breeders’ Cup

The remarkable son of Dubawi left behind his setback at Royal Ascot and dominated the City of York Stakes (G1) by 2 3/4 lengths, achieving the sixth top-level victory of his campaign. Charlie Appleby confirmed that he will now head straight for the Breeders' Cup Mile (G1) at Keeneland

KNAVESMIRE, England (Special for Turf Diario).— Notable Speech regained his finest form in emphatic fashion this Saturday in the Sky Bet City of York Stakes (G1-1,400m), securing the sixth G1 victory of a campaign that has kept him among the elite milers in the world for three seasons.

Sent off as the 9-4 favorite, the Godolphin colorbearer entered with lingering questions following a sub-par sixth-place finish as the favorite in the Queen Anne Stakes (G1) at Royal Ascot. Moreover, the course at York carried slightly more moisture than he typically prefers. None of that ultimately mattered.

Back at 1,400 meters with William Buick back in the saddle, the son of Dubawi traveled with supreme ease throughout. When his jockey elected to press the button, he put the race to bed in a matter of strides, drawing clear to cross the wire 2 3/4 lengths ahead of Lake Forest, with Marvelman filling the trifecta spot.

"You have to admire him. There are good horses who can do it at 2 and 3, but when they keep winning at 4 and 5, you have to take your hat off," noted Charlie Appleby.

Notable Speech established much of his renown in 2024, winning both the 2000 Guineas (G1) and the Sussex Stakes(G1). During 2025, he added the Woodbine Mile (G1) and the Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1) to his mantle, while earlier this season he captured the Lockinge Stakes (G1) at Newbury.

Charlie Appleby expressed particular appreciation for the decision by Sheikh Mohammed and Godolphin to retain their elite stars in training across multiple seasons, rather than rushing them off to stud.

"It’s very easy to retire a horse like him. We are fortunate to have the opportunity to let them keep racing, and all the credit goes to Sheikh Mohammed and the Godolphin team," he explained.

He also celebrated the promotion of the City of York to top-tier status: "This new G1 over 1,400 meters was precisely what we needed in Great Britain. It’s receiving great support, and having a horse like this win it will, hopefully, lend it immense prestige."

The next target is already virtually locked in: Notable Speech will train straight toward the Breeders’ Cup Mile, set for October 31 at Keeneland, as he aims to defend his 2025 crown.

The performance at York even cleared up one of Charlie Appleby's main concerns heading into Kentucky. "The great thing about today is that he proved his versatility on ground that was softer than his ideal. At Keeneland, there is always the possibility of encountering autumn conditions, so this gives us complete confidence heading straight to the Breeders’ Cup."

There, he could cross paths once again with Lake Forest (No Nay Never), whose runner-up effort left trainer William Haggas satisfied. "We might get a rematch in the Breeders’ Cup Mile. We will certainly consider it," the conditioner offered, while acknowledging the winner's edge in experience: "The winner has already been there and done it."

Marvelman (Invincible Spirit) completed the trifecta after setting much of the early pace, and his connections are now mulling a drop down to 1,200 meters for the Sprint Cup (G1) at Haydock.

Ultimately, York belonged entirely to Notable Speech. At 5 years old, with six G1 trophies under his belt and that unexpected Ascot setback firmly in the rear-view mirror, the champion demonstrated that his ability to seal high-profile contests remains completely intact. Keeneland now looms once again on the horizon.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWzC4oM3Uok