Appleby's Breeders' Cup Strategy: Veteran Contenders Aim for Mile and Turf Victories
Trainer Charlie Appleby has brought two highly experienced thoroughbreds, Notable Speech and El Cordobes, to Keeneland for the Breeders' Cup, expressing satisfaction with their readiness. Notable Speech, the reigning champion in the Breeders' Cup Mile, is set to make his final career start, hoping to conclude with another victory. El Cordobes, a strong contender for the Breeders' Cup Turf, has shown significant improvement, positioning himself as a dark horse. Appleby underscores the importance of strategic preparation and the inherent qualities of these veteran horses, particularly Notable Speech's intuitive race sense and El Cordobes's enhanced physical condition.
Notable Speech: A Champion's Farewell Performance
Charlie Appleby, the renowned trainer, has conveyed his contentment with the current condition and preparation of his two esteemed horses, Notable Speech and El Cordobes, as they gear up for their respective races at the Breeders' Cup in Keeneland. Notable Speech, the reigning victor of the Breeders' Cup Mile, is poised for his twentieth and final career appearance. His impressive track record includes a facile win in 2025 and a third-place finish the year prior. This season, he enters the Breeders' Cup having secured decisive victories in both the City of York (G1) and the Woodbine Mile (G1), showcasing his enduring class and competitive spirit.
Appleby highlights Notable Speech's remarkable self-sufficiency and deep understanding of racing dynamics, noting that the horse's experience often dictates his actions more effectively than any direct instruction. Exercise rider Colm O'Donaghue's close bond with Notable Speech further reinforces the horse's comfort and confidence. Despite a challenging run in Canada, where he had to exert extra effort, Notable Speech's unwavering determination shone through, securing another win. The team is optimistic about his prospects, particularly with a favorable post position (8 of 14) that offers strategic flexibility. William Buick, the jockey, aims to find a prime position to unleash Notable Speech's signature late burst of speed, a strategy that proved successful in previous Breeders' Cup outings.
El Cordobes: A Rising Star in the Turf
El Cordobes, the second of Appleby's charges, is anticipated to make a significant impact in the Breeders' Cup Turf. Having recently completed a strong performance at Belmont, El Cordobes has shown remarkable recovery and improved fitness. Appleby initially underestimated his horse's readiness but acknowledged the significant strides made in his condition. Jockey Flavien Prat's feedback from the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic, where El Cordobes finished third, provided crucial insights into his racing style, particularly his tendency to empty out if sent too early.
The team has meticulously analyzed El Cordobes's performance and is confident that his recent training and physical improvements will allow him to contend strongly. His excellent movement and spirited disposition, evidenced by a lively morning workout, confirm his peak physical state. Appleby believes El Cordobes's natural inclination for three-turn races and his favorable draw will play to his strengths, enabling him to conserve energy and unleash a powerful finish similar to his winning performance in the Sword Dancer. With 12 Breeders' Cup victories from just 32 starters, Appleby's expertise in preparing horses for this elite competition adds considerable weight to El Cordobes's chances.