Secret Brief came with a rattling run inside the final furlong and a half to claim the Betway Lincoln at Doncaster.
Wearing the Godolphin colours, the four-year-old responded to William Buick's urgings to win the first big handicap of the new turf season for trainer Charlie Appleby.
Secret Brief (12-1), who had a spell in Dubai during the winter, got the better of a terrific duel with Ryan Moore on Bravo Zolo (12-1) to prevail by a neck.
Battle Of Marathon (50-1) came out of the pack to claim third place, another half a length away, with Birdman (14-1) staying on strongly for fourth.
Buick said: "It's a great race to win. I've got to give credit to the whole team at home - they've done a fantastic job with him so thanks to them.
"His last run in Dubai was good and we are just getting to know him. I think he'll improve for a better surface."
John Ferguson, Godolphin's chief executive and racing manager, said: "It's a lovely start for everybody in the team.
"This is a horse that has been trained in Dubai in the winter, so a perfect preparation from the sunshine of Dubai to heavy ground in Doncaster.
"He's handled it really well and I was just impressed the way he travelled in the race.
"We thought he'd go with a bit of cut in the ground. This was a different proposition but he's genuine and really tries.
"He stuck his neck out."
