One Man Band Rolls in Godolphin Mile

Sheikh Saeed bin Mohammed Al Maktoum's One Man Band captured the $1 million Godolphin Mile (UAE-II) and led a sweep of the top three positions for trainer Doug Watson March 26 at Meydan Racecourse.

It was the first Dubai World Cup program victory for Watson, a top trainer in the United Arab Emirates.

One Man Band, a 5-year-old horse by Pivotal out of the Cape Cross mare Musicanna, grabbed the early lead from his rail post position and never looked back en route to an easy victory in 1:35.21 for about one mile. Cool Cowboy, who chased the leader throughout, couldn't gain in the stretch and was nailed late for second by stablemate Faulkner.

One Man Band won by 4 3/4 lengths. Faulkner had a nose on Cool Cowboy.

Godophin's Marking, trained by Kiaran McLaughlin and the favorite in the U.S. wagering pool, finished fourth, 4 1/2 lengths behind Cool Cowboy. The 4-year-old Bernardini   colt didn't break well, eventually moved up to third, and then had no run in the lane; jockey Frankie Dettori said the start hurt his chances.

Watson called the one-two-three finish "unbelievable" and said he was confident One Man Band would win when Cool Cowboy failed to make up ground off the far turn.

"Cool Cowboy wasn't getting to him," Watson said. "(One Man Band) has won this way before when he has gotten an easy lead. It's a great feeling. We have a great team at home and great owners who give us great horses."

One Man Band, a 5-1 shot ridden by Sam Hitchcott, entered the Goldophin Mile off of a victory in a $120,000 handicap at about seven furlongs at Meydan Feb. 25. Bred in Ireland by Richard Pegram, One Man Band now has eight wins, one second, and one third in 15 starts.

The Godolphin Mile was the first Thoroughbred race on a Saturday card that ends with the $10 million Dubai World Cup (UAE-I).