Notable Speech stamps class on Lockinge Stakes

Notable Speech displayed the qualities that saw him win the 2,000 Guineas, Sussex Stakes and Breeders’ Cup Mile with another exhilarating display in the Lockinge Stakes on Saturday.

Last season’s US Champion Male Turf Horse unleashed his trademark electric turn of foot to readily capture the Newbury showpiece, registering a fifth G1 success in the process. Brigadier Gerard and Frankel are the only other horses to have won the 2,000 Guineas, Sussex Stakes and Lockinge Stakes.

Notable Speech joins a host of Godolphin stars to win the race, including Night Of Thunder, Ribchester, Farhh and Modern Games, and the son of Dubawi will be a valuable addition to the Darley stallion roster when he retires from racing.

More immediately, he will be hoping to confirm his status as Europe’s top older miler in next month’s Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot. His chief rival may come from his own stables, with Opera Ballo also pointing towards the same race in what could prove a captivating clash of racing styles.

Juvenile colt Al Hudaiba featured among a trio of royal blue winners at Newmarket last week. The son of Dark Angel, who is out of a full-sister to Wuheida, made an impressive debut when taking a novice by a length and a half on Friday.

Tales Of Wisdom scored on the same card, adding to his 11-length success at Southwell in December, while Chasing Time also registered a second career win when denying Shabab Al Ahli on Saturday.

Fighter’s Spirit continued a perfect start to his career for Saeed bin Suroor with victory at Windsor on Monday. A debut winner at Beverley in April, the son of Masar could be set for an appearance at Royal Ascot, although he requires another run beforehand to be eligible for the handicaps at the meeting.

Night Of Thunder filly Fortuna Diamond also made it two wins from two starts in the French provinces as she comfortably scored at Dieppe over the weekend, earning her a rise in class on her next outing.