In a thrilling display of class and composure, Godolphin’s Notable Speech (GB) confirmed his status among turf racing’s elite with a decisive 1½-length victory in the $2 million FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1) presented by PDJF at Del Mar on Saturday.
As the field thundered down the home stretch, William Buick, calm and calculating, waited patiently for an opening that seemed almost too narrow to be real. Then came the moment. The rail split, the crowd surged to its feet, and Buick drove the 4-year-old homebred through the gap like lightning. In a flash, Notable Speech accelerated past the tiring Rhetorical and Formidable Man, sealing yet another unforgettable win for trainer Charlie Appleby and the Godolphin team.
A ride of perfect timing
For Buick and Appleby, this was no ordinary win—it was their fourth Breeders’ Cup Mile together, a testament to the partnership’s near-telepathic understanding on the world stage. Notable Speech covered the firm turf mile in 1:33.66, adding another jewel to Appleby’s glittering record of 12 World Championships victories and Buick’s 10.
The early fractions were brisk, set by outsiders One Stripe (SAF) and Qirat (GB) at :22.59 and :46.76, while Notable Speech enjoyed a ground-saving trip in midpack. Rhetorical made a sweeping move turning for home and briefly opened up, but Buick, tracking patiently along the rail, found the opening he’d been waiting for. Once through, there was no catching the Godolphin blue—Notable Speech surged clear, unbothered, unstoppable.
Appleby’s faith rewarded
“He’s always been a horse we’ve held in the highest regard,” said Charlie Appleby, pride evident in every word. “We knew he’d be comfortable around here. The key was patience—the cutaway would come, and when it did, he was electric. Will’s ride was textbook; he never panicked. That turn of foot of his—no one matches it. He knows where the line is.”
The win marks Notable Speech’s fourth Grade or Group 1 title, taking his career tally to 14-7-1-1 and lifting his total earnings to $3,190,342. Bred by Godolphin, the son of Dubawi (IRE) out of Swift Rose (IRE) by Invincible Spirit has proven himself tailor-made for tight turns and high-pressure moments alike.
The challengers’ view
Runner-up Formidable Man, trained by Michael McCarthy, lost little in defeat. “He ran his race,” McCarthy said. “Johnny (Velazquez) gave him a great trip. We just found one better today.” Velazquez echoed that sentiment: “I thought I had them, but then someone came flying up the inside—it was Notable Speech. You tip your cap to him.”
Rhetorical held on for fourth under Irad Ortiz Jr., who admitted his mount may have moved a touch early: “He was travelling great, but once we turned for home, he got a little too keen. Still, he ran a huge race.”
Behind them came The Lion In Winter (IRE) and Sahlan (IRE), both finishing with credit in a deep international field of 13.
Godolphin’s global dominance continues
For Godolphin, this victory was more than another Breeders’ Cup triumph—it was a reaffirmation of their precision and patience in developing world-class turf milers. With Appleby’s sharp eye for preparation and Buick’s tactical genius, Notable Speech once again spoke volumes about the enduring excellence of the royal blue operation.
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