The Group 1 Lockinge Stakes has conjured up some magnificent performers that’ve subsequently turned into equally successful stallions, and Notable Speech looks set to follow suit after a dazzling display at Newbury.
The son of Dubawi was the subject of some almighty late money that sent him off the favourite over Damysus. Mississippi River set a good early gallop under Sean Levey, playing the hare for stablemate The Lion In Winter. Zeus Olympios ranged up alongside the latter two out, but hung left under pressure.
Meanwhile, William Buick was exuding serious confidence on Notable Speech. Buick, who initially went to switch left, took his mount off heels to the near-side, still travelling effortlessly. Within the matter of seconds, Notable Speech took off under Buick and quickly put the race to bed, clocking a 12.03 second final furlong. Interestingly, his average stride length ranked last in the field of 10. Whereas, his average stride frequency ranked highly in first, demonstrating what a naturally sharp miler he is.
Speaking to ITV Racing after the race, his trainer Charlie Appleby said: “He’s got some turn of foot. We were stood there watching thinking: ’I’m happy, as not many horses can quicken like he can’. If it turned into a burn up in the last couple of furlongs then William is on the right horse.
“William knows him and has the confidence on him and I have the confidence in both of them. I always say to William you will either be a hero or a villain. Sit and sit and when you want to go, sit again, and then at the last moment let him off.
“The team has done a fantastic job. I’m delighted for the horse as that’s a stallion making win for him.”
Queen Anne Stakes to feature a Lockinge rematch
Second to Notable Speech was More Thunder, stepping up to the mile for the first time for William Haggas. The son of Night Of Thunder, who won this in 2014, was a winner over ten furlongs for Sir Michael Stoute.
Graduating through handicaps for Haggas, More Thunder produced a career best when landing the Group 2 Hungerford Stakes. He was ridden cold enough by Marquand, but came home strongly for a clear second.
Haggas told Racing TV: “I was delighted with him and he ran a very good race, he got the trip. I still think he will prove capable over seven furlongs, but the mile was no problem today. He will probably go to the Queen Anne now, why not? He’s a very good horse.”