Watson triggers $12mln Dubai World Cup dream for Russian connections

Watson triggers $12mln Dubai World Cup dream for Russian connections

Eight-time UAE champion handler Doug Watson has made a reputation for himself as a go-to trainer for East European-raced horses and he demonstrated just why when he sent out two exciting Russian-owned gallopers to finish one-two in the Dubai Islands handicap Presented by Nakheel at Meydan on Friday.

Kabirkhan, a Kentucky-bred son of former Dubai World Cup (G1) scorer California Chrome, eclipsed a quality field to win the 2,000 metres dirt contest in telling fashion under Watson’s long-time stable jockey Pat Dobbs.

What was particularly impressive about the performance of the four-year-old who was making his Meydan debut, and first start after a gap of 132 days, was how he coped with a less-than-favourable run.

Forced to race wide after a poor start, Kabirkhan made good progress at the top of the home straight and once asked for his effort he produced a set of gears that saw him dominate what was left of the contest to cross the line four lengths clear of stable companion and fellow Russian raider, Hero Mo, under Sam Hitchcott.

Watson revealed that the owners of Kabirkhan, a $12,000 purchase at the 2021 Keeneland September Yearling Sale, had aspirations for the Dubai World Cup on March 30.

"That's what they