Songcraft Heads Clean Sweep For Godolphin In Range Rover Trophy

Songcraft beat stable companions Al Saham and Excellent Result for a Godolphin 1/2/3 when making a winning return to action in the 12-furlong Range Rover Trophy Handicap on turf at Meydan, UAE on Thursday, February 12.

The Saeed bin Suroor-trained seven-year-old, having his first start since August, triumphed first time out for a fifth year in a row and captured this race for the second year running.

Songcraft broke well and was keen in the early stages under William Buick. He raced in fourth on the outside for much of the race and improved to third as the 12-strong field rounded the home turn.

The son of Singspiel led with two furlongs remaining and stayed on strongly to hold Al Saham, settled in seventh by Adrie de Vries before finishing well, to triumph by half a length in 2m 30.93s.

Excellent Result, partnered by James Doyle, raced in fifth and improved to go second in the straight before finding no extra inside the final furlong. He finished three and quarter lengths further back in third.

Saeed bin Suroor, welcoming Godolphin's third winner of the evening, commented: "Songcraft always runs well when fresh and did so again tonight."

William Buick added: "Godolphin is having a good night so everybody is happy. Saeed's horses are flying.

"Songcraft had a good trip around today, gave me a nice feel and quickened well in the straight. I assume he will go to Super Saturday now and the Dubai Gold Cup on World Cup night.

"It was a good performance and they went fast enough. He is an uncomplicated ride so he is ideal."