Discreet Cat annihilates his rivals

Dubai: Godolphin's Kentucky Derby dream received a major boost when Discreet Cat annihilated his rivals to win the $2 million UAE Derby, sponsored by the Al Naboodah Group.

The American-bred colt justified favouritism with a stunning six-length victory over stable companion Testimony. The highly-regarded Simpatico Bribon from Saudi Arabia trailed to a disappointing sixth of 13 runners in the 1,800-metre contest run on dirt.

Japan's Flame De Passion ran an encouraging third, a quarter of a length behind Testimony, while American raider Invasor, trained by former UAE champion Kiaran McLaughlin, was a close fourth.

English bookmakers William Hill responded to Discreet Cat's runaway victory by making him a 5/1 favourite for the Kentucky Derby.

His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who is the driving force behind the Godolphin stable, commented: "We'll have to see how he comes out of the race and then we'll decide (on the Kentucky Derby)."

Simon Crisford, Godolphin racing manager, added: "He's a horse that's going places and we are really excited.

"It's very important to put a victory on the board and it's very lovely that it was this horse because he's the future. Electrocutionist is the present, but this horse is the future.

"It was a very impressive show. He's got such talent. Obviously, all our options are open for him, including the Kentucky Derby."

Discreet Cat supplied Godolphin with their fifth success in the race after China Visit (2000), Express Tour (2001), Essence of Dubai (2002) and Blues And Royals (2005).

Godolphin acquired the Forestry colt after he won his maiden at Saratoga last August.

Japanese hope Gaburin, who is by Kentucky Derby winner Fusaichi Pegasus, set a fast pace while Discreet Cat, Frankie Dettori astride, was well positioned in fourth.

Gaburin brought the field into the home straight, but it was at the two-furlong pole the real Discreet Cat came alive. Dettori pressed the button and the Godolphin colt forged ahead of the field. Thereafter, it was sheer power and pace from the son of Forestry as he raced away to establish a six-length advantage at the line.

Yutaka Take, who rode Flamme De Passion, said: "Next year we may try for the World Cup!"

McLaughlin, who won the UAE trainer's championship three times during his 10-year tenure in the country, was delighted with the performance of Invasor, the winner of the Uruguayan Triple Crown.

"I'm happy with that, he ran well. Hopefully, this is a Kentucky Derby horse that beat him," said McLaughlin.