Songster returned in style to take the Bold Ruler (Debra Kral/Horsephotos.com)

Godolphin's SONGSTER (Songandaprayer) sped to the front from the start and was never headed en route to an impressive 2 1/2-length tally in the $105,400 Bold Ruler H. (G3) at Belmont Park on Saturday. The four-year-old colt established sharp splits of :21 3/5 and :44 for the opening half-mile, all the while being pressed by 7-2 second choice Anew (Awesome Again). Turning for home, the winner shook free and was never threatened, finishing the six furlongs in a brisk 1:08 4/5 under Edgar Prado. The Saeed bin Suroor trainee was sent off as the prohibitive 1-2 choice and returned $3, $2.30 and $2.10.

Dashboard Drummer (Alamocitos) was third until reaching the turn and closed with good energy to earn the place, 2 1/2 lengths clear of his nearest pursuer. The gelding was sent off at nearly 10-1 and returned $4.60 and $2.60, while completing the $13.60 exacta. Dark Cheetah (Storm Cat) finished another 4 3/4 lengths clear in third, worth $2.50 at 5-1. The 2-1-5 winning trifecta paid $38.60. Pavo (Marquetry) and Anew completed the order of finish.

Songster garnered his third graded score in here, following tallies in the Woody Stephens Breeders' Cup S. (G2) and Hirsch Jacobs S. (G3) last year. The speedy black colt also owns placings in the Amsterdam S. (G2) and Bay Shore S. (G3), and boasts a career line of 8-4-3-0, $367,740.

The winner was bred in the Sunshine State by Richard Giacopelli and attracted a bid of $200,000 at the 2004 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky yearling sale. He is the first registered foal out of the unraced Peppy Lapeau (French Deputy) and has a trio of unnamed half-brothers -- a two-year-old by Hussonet, a yearling by Lion Heart and a foal by Buddha.