Watson’s Isolate keeps Saudi Cup dream alive with Meydan masterclass

Watson’s Isolate keeps Saudi Cup dream alive with Meydan masterclass

Isolate wins the Al Maktoum Mile at Meydan's 'Festive Friday' meeting. - Photo by Dubai Racing Club

Published: Sat 23 Dec 2023, 1:13 AM

Meydan specialist Isolate kept the Saudi Cup dream alive for his owners when dominating a classy field to win the Group 2 Al Maktoum Mile in imperious style at the ‘Festive Friday’ pre-Christmas meeting.

Eclipse Award-winning jockey Tyler Gaffalione, who has flown from Florida specifically to take the ride aboard Isolate, was a picture of composure aboard the five-year-old who never put a foot wrong as he crossed the line 3 ½ lengths clear of his stable companion Golden Goal to complete a memorable one-two for eight-time UAE champion trainer Doug Watson.

Isoltate’s owners, RRR Racing, are as ambitious as they come and have nominated the horse for the $20 million Saudi Cup at Riyadh in February 2024. However, Isolate will have to negotiate an extra one furlong in his quest the win the world richest horse race.

Commenting on Isolate’s performance, his first start since he won the Group 2 Godolphin Mile on Dubai World Cup night in March, Gaffalione painted a rosy picture of the winner who was posting his second win in four starts for Watson.

Godolphin's Measured Time