Can Speechify Get Back on Track at GP?

 

The nearly black colt aired by 10 ½ lengths in his August 24 career debut and followed that with a victory in a first-level test Sept. 29. He earned Beyer Speed Figures of 89 and 86, respectively, for those sprints. However, he failed to show his customary speed next time on November 10 going a flat mile and finished a distant fourth behind Speak Logistics. That effort left trainer Ralph Nicks puzzled. 

 

“Maybe he bounced a little bit,” Nicks offered. “It surprised me that he didn’t handle the mile well , but it is what it is. He’s doing well, he’s happy and we’re going to put him back to where he’s been successful.”

 

Speechify is a grandson of the fast filly Arrested Dreams, whose offspring include the Grade II Peter Pan Stakes winner Oratory. He has breezed twice since his last start, including a five-eighths move on the Gulfstream grass in 1:00 1/5.

 

“I worked him on the grass the other day since he’s by Harlan’s Holiday, just for kicks and giggles to see if he’d handle it, and he handled it well,” Nicks added. “He is a talented horse and those kind can handle anything, so that might be something for down the road.”

 

Nicks has held Speechify in high regard from the start.