Notable Speech edged out in G1 Breeders’ Cup Mile

Notable Speech narrowly failed in his bid to provide Godolphin with a fourth straight G1 Breeders’ Cup Mile victory as he finished a close third behind More Than Looks and Johannes at Del Mar, USA, on Saturday, 2 November.   

The 2,000 Guineas and Sussex Stakes winner, bidding to join Space Blues, Modern Games and Master Of The Seas on the roll of honour, was a little slow leaving the stalls and found plenty of cover in eighth of the 10 runners.   

William Buick angled out Notable Speech on the home turn and produced the Dubawi colt six-wide at the top of the straight as Ten Happy Rose took over from Goliad in front.   

Notable Speech showed his customary burst of speed, moving up to third in a matter of strides inside the final furlong. He continued to make strong headway, pressing Ten Happy Rose and Johannes for the lead half a furlong out.   

More Than Looks unleashed his own late charge towards the centre of the course, swooping by the front three close home to score by three-quarters of a length. Johannes finished a head in front of Notable Speech, with another half-length back to Ten Happy Rose in fourth. 

William Buick said: “They went a good pace and I followed Johannes. I thought I had a pretty good trip and thought he ran a super race. It was Notable Speech’s first time on a track like this and I was very happy with his run.   

“To be honest I thought it was between us and Johannes, but the winner came with a wet sail on the outside. I think that just showed that the pace was on early, and it was always going to develop from the back, where we were. I am extremely proud of the whole team. To come over here, it’s tough and very competitive, and to come away with one winner is great. The horses have run tremendously well, so well done to the team.”