Discreet Dancer, who set a track record for 5 1/2 furlongs at Gulfstream Park winning his debut by 9 3/4 lengths on Dec. 3, confirmed that promise Jan. 7 as he drew clear to score by 5 1/2 lengths in an allowance optional claiming test at one mile (VIDEO).
E. Paul Robsham Stable’s 3-year-old Florida homebred colt was ridden to victory by Javier Castellano in the one-turn event.
Trained by Todd Pletcher, Discreet Dancer took command early over eight rivals from the far outside post coming out of the chute and rather easily shook off a couple of challenges in the upper stretch. The 4-5 shot drew off under a hand ride while recording a winning time of 1:36.32 on a fast Gulfstream main track. He paid $3.80 for the win.
Neck 'n Neck rallied for second, 2 1/2 lengths ahead of 42-to-1 shot Two Is to Many.
Discreet Dancer is a chestnut colt by Discreet Cat out of the Gone West mare West Side Dancer.
“He was very professional from the time he got to the paddock to the race,” said Pletcher. “He handled the mile just fine and I was very pleased with the way he galloped out after the race. This race opens up a lot of options. The Holy Bull (Jan. 28) comes up a little too quick in three weeks. We’ll see, but I wouldn’t be afraid for him to stretch out after today.”