Nothing Discreet About Cat

Discreet Cat passed the toughest test of his career to date with flying colours when he landed the Grade One Cigar Mile at Aqueduct, New York, on Saturday night.

The Godolphin three-year-old is now unbeaten in six career starts and has yet to to be seriously tested.

He is now set to go into quarantine for 30 days before heading off to the Dubai Carnival, where he will either take part in the World Cup or the Godolphin Mile.

In a truly-run race, Discreet Cat, ridden by Garrett Gomez, came home three and a quarter lengths clear of Badge Of Silver in a time fractionally outside the course record set in 1989.

Saeed bin Suroor, the Godolphin trainer, said: 'This was his first Grade One run and victory so it is very special ? he beat good horses.

'It was the best race he has ever run and gives confidence for the future.

'He was a bit keen today and in future he needs to relax more. His time in Dubai over the winter should help him to do this.'

Racing manager Simon Crisford added: 'We are delighted with this top-notch effort against talented horses when giving weight away.

'He will now go back to Dubai after 30 days quarantine and target the Dubai World Cup or the Godolphin Mile.

'Discreet Cat is a very talented horse and next year will be the real test for him as every race will be at the highest level.

'He has confirmed what we hoped and expected,' Crisford told www.godolphin.com.

Gomez declared: 'I had plenty of horse and my only concern was when I looked back I couldn't tell how fast Badge of Silver was coming.

'He was hiding behind us. When I took a peak back at the eighth pole I could see him so I showed Discreet Cat the stick a couple of times and he went about his business.

'He's never been hit with it (the whip). I've been excited ever since I put a leg on him. To run as fast as they ran and the way he was doing it, he's just a nice horse.'

(C) PA Sport