Discreet Cat Surprise Early Leader in KDFW

Godolphin's unbeaten Discreet Cat, a dazzling winner of the UAE Derby (UAE-II) at Dubai's Nad Al Sheba last month, stood as a surprising favorite following the opening day of betting in Pool 3 of Churchill Downs' 2006 Kentucky Derby Future Wager.

The son of Forestry, listed as a 15-1 risk in the KDFW opening line, was the 6-1 choice of racing fans in the U.S. and Canada at the end of the first of four days of betting in the year's final Derby Futures pool. Racing fans wagered $29,449 on Thursday. Pool 3 betting will resume at noon ET on April 7. The pool closes on April 9 at 6 p.m.

Discreet Cat was followed in Thursday's betting by Rebel (gr. III) winner and likely Arkansas Derby (gr. II) favorite Lawyer Ron, who was the 9-1 second choice. Florida Derby (gr. I) winner Barbaro and Remsen (gr. II) winner Bluegrass Cat, both at 10-1, followed. Brother Derek and Cause to Believe, each stand at 12-1. Brother Derek is an odds-on favorite to win Saturday's Santa Anita Derby (gr. I), while Cause to Believe, 30-1 as the line opened, is the likely betting choice for Saturday's Illinois Derby (gr. II) at Hawthorne.

The Kentucky Derby presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) is May 6 at Churchill Downs.

2006 KENTUCKY DERBY FUTURE WAGER POOL 3
# Horse ODDS
1. *A. P. Warrior 15-1
2. Achilles of Troy OUT
3. Barbaro 10-1
4. Bluegrass Cat 10-1
5. Bob and John 25-1
6. Brother Derek 12-1
7. Cause to Believe 12-1
8. *Deputy Glitters 25-1
9. *Discreet Cat 6-1
10. First Samurai 17-1
11. Keyed Entry 20-1
12. Lawyer Ron 9-1
13. *Like Now 60-1
14. My Golden Song 35-1
15. Point Determined 17-1
16. Private Vow 23-1
17. *Sacred Light 25-1
18. *Sharp Humor 25-1
19. Steppenwolfer 35-1
20. Strong Contender 21-1
21. *Sunriver 30-1
22. Sweetnorthernsaint 30-1
23. *With A City 80-1
24. All Others 19-1

* - New wagering interest in Pool 3