Murtagh in search of winning black-type with Songhai Having run a career best when staying on nicely to pick up valuable black-type in the Group 2 Barberstown Castle Sapphire Stakes at the Curragh on Saturday, Johnny Murtagh is hoping that there is more to come from Songhai. After reaching the frame on two separate occasions in Listed races at Cork, the three-year-old had disappointed when stepped up to 6f last time. Back over the minimum trip at the Curragh, the filly belied odds of 25/1 when staying on well close home to take minor honours. Murtagh said: “She ran well and five is probably a good trip. “It set up really well for her today and I love the way she finished off. Ben was very happy with her. “It’s just important now that she can get a bit of (winning) black-type. She’s been placed in a few of those big ones. “We’ll see where there is a five furlong Listed race, I think there is one in Tipperary coming up. “Ground is important to her too, I don’t think she wants it any softer than that.” Additional reporting by Gary Carson.
