Days after his victory in the Sept. 12 Woodbine Mile Stakes (G1T), Notable Speech has advanced from 18th to eighth place in the National Thoroughbred Racing Association's Top Thoroughbred Poll.
The British-trained runner moves just ahead of Deterministic, the standout American turf horse who he ran down late in the mile race at Woodbine under William Buick to earn an automatic berth in the Oct. 31 Breeders' Cup Mile (G1T) at Keeneland. Notable Speech, trained by Charlie Appleby for Godolphin, won both races last year on his way to being named champion turf male at the Eclipse Awards.
The NTRA Top Thoroughbred Poll, conducted by national racing media members, is meant to represent leading contenders for Horse of the Year, the most prestigious annual prize in Thoroughbred Racing. The poll concludes Nov. 3, shortly after the Breeders' Cup.
Sovereignty, the reigning Horse of the Year, maintains his position atop the poll, leading his stablemate Knightsbridge. Hall of Famer Bill Mott trains both horses for Godolphin.
Nitrogen holds third ahead of Japanese star Forever Young, who is days away from a start in the Sept. 18 Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes (G1) on opening day of the fall meet at Belmont Park. Magnitude rounds out the top five.
Cherie DeVaux trainees Englishman and Golden Tempo are sixth and seventh, respectively, ahead of Notable Speech. Deterministic and Splendora, who completes the top 10.
The full poll and individual votes are available online.
