Charlie Appleby has 'a lot of confidence' in Notable Speech - but Aidan O'Brien highlights scale of momentous mission

Glamour, that's what Notable Speech brings to this July Cup. His involvement is the racing equivalent of a Hollywood star turning up on stage in some ancient theatre in London's West End; he doesn't even have to do anything, the audience is thrilled by his mere presence.

Sprinting, like your typical production of Uncle Vanya, lacks glamour. It's hard to explain why this should be. Perhaps the cast rotates a little too often. Battaash, Lochsong and Sole Power all carried a certain mystique, but there haven't been many of them.

By contrast, every 2,000 Guineas winner is exotic and other-worldly, made of finer stuff than standard thoroughbreds. Their bearing is princely. Finding yourself in the same place as these creatures is exciting and a bit intimidating.