Charlie Appleby is optimistic about Notable Speech’s chances in Wednesday’s Qatar Sussex Stakes at Goodwood, anticipating a return to his best.
The Godolphin colt initially seemed poised to be the top miler of his generation after maintaining an unbeaten record with a victory in the 2000 Guineas. However, in their rematch at Royal Ascot in the St James’s Palace Stakes, Notable Speech was disappointing, finishing behind Rosallion, who went on to win the Irish Guineas.
Rosallion has since been withdrawn from the Sussex Stakes due to a respiratory infection, which could give Notable Speech a prime opportunity to regain form.
Appleby expressed anticipation for the upcoming race, noting there were no issues found after Ascot and that he wasn't using that race as an excuse. He was disappointed with Notable Speech's finish but reported that the horse has been in great shape since his break and is showing strong signs of returning to form.
With Rosallion absent, Aidan O’Brien's Henry Longfellow, who placed second in the St James’s Palace Stakes, is expected to be a key competitor. O’Brien is optimistic about Henry’s potential following a positive performance at Ascot, and views his earlier run in the French Guineas as a valuable experience.
William Haggas’s Maljoom, who has faced injuries, is also a contender. He’ll race in blinkers for the first time to improve focus, and Haggas believes the drying ground will benefit him.
The field will also see French runner Facteur Cheval, a Dubai Turf winner but who struggled in the Queen Anne, and Sonny Liston, a solid runner-up in the Royal Hunt Cup.