Speech worth an honourable mention today

IT MIGHT be stretching it to say Notable Speech attempts to do an Ajdal in the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai July Cup but his presence has certainly added lots of spice to the Newmarket showpiece.

- BY ASHLEY IVESON

Dewhurst winner Ajdal was miraculously brought back from defeats in the 2000 Guineas and Derby by Michael Stoute to win the sprint championship in 1987 while the following year crack miler Soviet Star shone for Andre Fabre and France.

Royal Academy was another brilliant miler to win the July Cup and now it is last year’s Guineas hero Notable Speech who gets his chance for Charlie Appleby and William Buick having been fourth in both the Lockinge Stakes and Queen Anne.

Buick - who has recorded his 2,000th career success in Britain - said: “I'll tell you after the race whether it was the correct decision or not!