England: Appleby’s Notable Speech upsets 2,000 Guineas

Notable Speech, who was undefeated in three races but untested on turf, used a late burst of speed in the final furlong to score a 16-1 upset for trainer Charlie Appleby on Saturday in the 2,000 Guineas, a Group 1, $627,400 classic at Newmarket, England.

Going a straight mile over good going at Newmarket, England, jockey William Buick kept the Godolphin homebred Dubawi colt near the back of the tightly bunched, 11-horse pack. Racing farthest from the grandstand, Notable Speech started his forward move from the three-furlong marker. He surged past early stalker Rosallion (7-1), who was in the middle of the track, and ran on to a 1 1/2-length triumph that was completed in 1:37.21.

Rosallion (9-2), who won last out seven months ago in the Prix LaGardère (G1) in Paris, finished second. His Richard Hannon-trained stablemate Haatem (16-1), a two-time group winner who also pressed the pace, was another 1 3/4 lengths behind in third.

Odds-on favorite City Of Troy (2-3), an Aidan O’Brien-trained colt by Justify who won the Dewhurst (G1) in October, had the early lead before fading badly in the last quarter-mile to finish ninth, 16 3/4 lengths behind the winner.

Notable Speech, who was bred in England out of the Invincible Spirit broodmare Swift Rose, did not make his debut until January. His first three races were on the all-weather track at Kempton. Those victories, all at one mile, included a Jan. 27 debut, the European Road to the Kentucky Derby conditions stakes Feb. 21 and the British EBF conditions April 6.