Notable Speech, seeking another victory in the Breeders' Cup Mile and a place among the legends

The defending champion enters Keeneland as the favorite, seeking to capture the Breeders' Cup Mile (G1) for the second consecutive year. Deterministic, Rhetorical, and a formidable European squad loom as his primary threats

LEXINGTON, Kentucky (From a special correspondent).— Notable Speech aims to assert his superiority once more in the Breeders' Cup Mile (G1) and deliver another victory for Godolphin, Charlie Appleby, and William Buick in a race they have dominated four times over the past five seasons. This Saturday, over 1,600 meters on the Keenelandlawn for a $2-million purse, he will attempt to join the elite fraternity of back-to-back winners.

Third in 2024 and a 1 1/2-length winner in 2025, both at Del Mar, the son of Dubawi arrives after capturing two European G1 features and repeating his triumph in the Woodbine Mile (G1) in Canada. There, he outstayed Deterministic (Liam's Map) by 1 1/4 lengths despite encountering a far-from-ideal trip, pairing the effort with a 101 Beyer Speed Figure—matching his winning figure from the prior year.

“We would have preferred to be closer to the lead, but whenever we ask him for an extra effort, he always responds,” Appleby explained.

The trainer is navigating a less prolific North American campaign compared to recent dominant years. Between 2021 and 2024, he collected 31 graded stakes victories from 106 starts; this season, his five U.S. starters have yet to enter the winner's circle.

One of those was Notable Speech, who finished fourth in April's Maker's Mark Mile (G1) at Keeneland after suffering severe traffic trouble.

“I loved the way he looked this morning. He was calm, taking everything in. He is in magnificent condition,” Applebyassured.

Deterministic will be out for revenge. The Miguel Clement trainee breaks from post 1 under Kendrick Carmoucheand could benefit from the early pace injected by Cabo Spirit (Pioneerof the Nile), Qirat (Showcasing), and Rhetorical (Not This Time).

Unlike at Woodbine, where he set the tempo, he will have the tactical option to sit just off the pacesetters this time.

“He's training extraordinarily well. I believe he's sitting on the race of his life,” Clement maintained.

Rhetorical, winner of the Coolmore Turf Mile (G1) over this course, also knows the local layout inside out.Following an injury to Irad Ortiz Jr., he will be partnered by José Ortiz.

Another dangerous European contender is Lake Forest (No Nay Never), trained by William Haggas, who endured a troubled run when facing Rhetorical in October and should build on that experience.

Aidan O'Brien sends out a tandem consisting of True Love (No Nay Never) and Puerto Rico (Wootton Bassett).The former captured the Prix de la Forêt (G1), though stamina concerns remain over a full 1,600 meters. Christophe Soumillon takes the mount, while Ryan Moore opted for Puerto Rico, third in that French feature and returning to his peak form.

The field is completed by Facteur Cheval (Ribchester); Japanese invaders Ask Ikigomi (Lord Kanaloa) and Lugal(Duramente); Brilliant Berti (Noble Mission); and Formidable Man (City of Light), runner-up behind Notable Speech in last year's edition.

The withdrawal of Zulu Kingdom (Ten Sovereigns) thinned the opposition and further solidified the defending champion's market dominance. Yet Keeneland's short stretch run is far less forgiving than Woodbine's, and any traffic delay could prove costly.

Notable Speech remains the horse to beat. If he finds clear running room in time, he will affirm his dominance and engrave another illustrious chapter in Breeders' Cup history.