Spotify calls the tune in the last at Meydan

Godolphin enjoyed a third win of the evening when Spotify made nearly all the running to land the concluding 12-furlong turf handicap on week four of the Dubai World Cup Carnival at Meydan, UAE on Thursday, 24 January.

The five-year-old horse, having his first start for Godolphin and trainer Charlie Appleby, went to the front after a furlong under James Doyle who steadied the pace down.

He was kicked on entering the straight and quickly established a clear advantage before Sharpalo came to challenge inside the final furlong.

However, Spotify never looked like he would be beaten and held on to win cheekily by a neck in 2m 30.78s. 

Another Godolphin runner, Bin Battuta (Saeed bin Suroor/Christophe Soumillon), raced a bit keenly initially, but kept on in third.

Charlie Appleby, saddling his second winner of the evening, reported: “Spotify’s work at home has been nice, which is why James picked him to be honest.

“He is a horse who came from the Arc sale with some decent French form

“We felt his work at home was always better when he was on the lead. Before the race, it sounded like there was not going to be much pace, so I told James to dictate and he is very good at getting the fractions right around there.

“Spotify had run and been placed over a mile and half in France and on home evidence we felt this was his ideal trip. He has got some decent form back in trip as well.

“I am pleased to get him off the mark here and we will probably run him in another handicap over between 10 and 12 furlongs.”

James Doyle said: “These long distances always seem to lack a little bit of pace.

“From what we have seen at home, Spotify is very straightforward and, even though he doesn’t have to lead, Charlie said you can roll on.

“Spotify relaxed in front and did everything right. We were a little weak late on – he just got a bit tired – and I am sure he will improve plenty for the run.

“From his training at home and looking at his replays, he just looked like a horse who went through his gears without quickening up that much. Charlie did not think the trip would be a problem and yet again he was spot on.

“Spotify was placed in a French Guineas, albeit beaten a fair distance, and backed that up with some nice runs over a little bit further.

“I think 12 furlongs is fine. We certainly do not want to be going any further, but we could come back to a mile and a quarter.

“I think the programme sets up quite nicely for him.”