Notable Speech makes point in Woodbine Mile, gains berth in BC Mile
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ETOBICOKE, Ontario - The consummate pro Notable Speech didn’t have much pace to chase in Saturday’s Grade 1 Woodbine Mile, but the reigning champion male turf runner in North America prevailed regardless using his lethal stretch kick to win it for the second year in a row under William Buick.
Deterministic was the clear speed in the six-horse field and the powerful dark bay set surprisingly soft fractions of 24.36, 47.89 and 1:10.73 in the one-turn event under Kendrick Carmouche.
Notable Speech raced three lengths off the lead in the two path on the turn before Buick angled him into the four path for the drive. After bumping with a rival at the head of the lane, he came charging down the center of the course to score by 1 1/4 lengths, in a time of 1:33.86 over the firm ground.
Deterministic never wavered but had to settle for second, finishing 2 1/4 lengths ahead of Gas Me Up, who wound up third in the race for the second year in a row. Itsastormymonday, Pierre and Silius completed the order of finish. Archivist and Irish Acres were scratched.
“They were all in a line a little bit and I was looking to follow Deterministic and that spot wasn’t available,” Buick said. “I took the next best spot. He’s a horse with a turn of foot, so I wasn’t really that worried and just made sure we got some running room at the top of the straight.
“He’s a brave horse. He’s a very good horse. He’s just a very classy horse, and he’s got a great racing brain to go with it. He’s an incredible horse, really.”
It was the fourth win in the Woodbine Mile for the combination of Godolphin, trainer Charlie Appleby, and Buick.
“Will knows him well,” assistant trainer Alex Merriman said. “(Deterministic) had it fairly easy in front, but once Will got him out, he’s got such a turn of foot. I was always pretty confident he was going to pick up. He’s a very easy horse to deal with. He’s a pleasure to have around.”
Notable Speech banked $600,000 of the $1,026,000 purse. The Woodbine Mile is a Breeders’ Cup Win and You’re in qualifier, and the son of Dubawi will attempt to win the BC Mile for the second year in a row Oct. 31 at Keeneland.
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