G1 win for Godolphin in France

Ahead of a five-pronged attack on the Melbourne Cup, Sheikh Mohammed’s global Godolphin operation has claimed a Group One win in France.

The Saeed bin Suroor-trained juvenile Thunder Snow won Sunday’s Criterium International at St Cloud for trainer Saeed bin Suroor to give Darley stallion, three-time Australian Group One winner Helmet, his first winner at the elite level.

Beautiful Romance and Secret Number run for bin Suroor in Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup with fellow England-based trainer Charlie Applebly to saddle Qewy and Oceanographer.

Godolphin’s Australian trainer John O’Shea will send out the favourite Hartnell.

Thunder Snow’s win was the first Group One success for bin Suroor since Prince Bishop won the 2015 World Cup in Dubai with the trainer’s stable battling a virus for most of this year’s Flat season in Britain.

Thunder Snow dominated the 1400m-race at St Cloud to win by five lengths.

Godolphin representative Lisa-Jane Graffard said on Godolphin’s website jockey Christophe Soumillon was confident throughout.

“Christophe was never worried,” Graffard said.

“He reported that Thunder Snow travelled well all the way and handled the ground.

“It was a very pleasing performance and Saeed bin Suroor, who is in Australia, will be happy.