Speak In Colours
Speak In Colours can be marked up a fair bit on the bare form of his run in the Lennox Stakes. He was keen enough early on, which was understandable on this, his first attempt over seven furlongs, stepping up from six. He travelled well for Wayne Lordan into the home straight, but he was squeezed out of it between Suedois and Breton Rock at the three-furlong marker, with the result that his rider had to take him back. It was always going to be difficult after that. Stone last as they raced inside the two-furlong pole, he switched to the far side, but he ran into a cul de sac there as early leader Donjuan Triumphant dropped back. He had to switch outside again, and then he had to switch back inside Flaming Spear as he rolled to his right. It was a nightmare passage. He finished fourth in the end, just over two lengths behind the winner Sir Dancealot but, with a cleaner run through the race, he could have gone very close to winning.
It was still a fine run by Joseph O'Brien's horse. He is very good over six furlongs, he finished fourth in the Diamond Jubilee at Royal Ascot over that trip, and he won a listed race at The Curragh just seven days later under a penalty. He had a good break after that, and it was well worth giving him a chance over seven furlongs. He is by the top class miler Excelebration and he is out of a mare who won over seven furlongs, a half-sister to Tulius, who won the Group 2 Sky Bet York Stakes over 10 furlongs. On this evidence, you can't say that he didn't get seven furlongs either. He would be worth another go at this trip, the City of York Stakes would be a good race for him now, and he could be under-rated in that race if he takes his chance in it after defeat here.
Goodwood, 30th July 2019
Back