Charlie Appleby is eager to see Notable Speech and Rosallion face off again in Wednesday’s £1m Qatar Sussex Stakes at Goodwood. This highly anticipated rematch is part of the Qatar Goodwood Festival and the second of three QIPCO British Champions Series events.
Notable Speech won the QIPCO 2000 Guineas at Newmarket, beating Rosallion by a length and a half. However, Rosallion, who won the Irish 2000 Guineas in the interim, outperformed Notable Speech in the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot. With the score tied at one all, the Sussex Stakes will serve as a decisive showdown.
Appleby is hopeful but cautious, noting that Notable Speech did not perform at his best at Ascot, despite no physical issues being found. He commented, “We’re looking forward to the race. If Notable Speech runs as he did in the Guineas, it will be exciting. We may be the underdog, but I don’t mind that.”
Rosallion’s trainer, Richard Hannon, who won the Sussex Stakes with Canford Cliffs and Toronado, believes Rosallion could be even better. Hannon said, “Rosallion is probably the best miler we’ve had since Canford Cliffs. He’s improved with every run and will face older horses for the first time. I hope the track at Goodwood won’t be a problem.”
Aidan O’Brien could make history with Henry Longfellow, aiming for a seventh win in the Sussex Stakes. O’Brien hinted that Henry Longfellow might still have more to show, stating, “We always thought he was special. His performance at Ascot was very promising, and there’s every chance he’ll progress further.”
Maljoom, who has raced only three times since a tough fourth in the St James’s Palace Stakes, may surprise. Trainer William Haggas is optimistic, saying, “Maljoom is in good shape and the blinkers should help his concentration. He’s still a very good horse.”
Facteur Cheval, who was second in this race last year and won the Dubai Turf in March, can be forgiven for his recent poor performance due to quick ground and other issues. Sonny Liston, a top-class handicapper, rounds out the field, with blinkers reapplied following a disappointing run in the Group 2 Summer Mile.