03/27/2012 12:44PM

Gulfstream Park: Discreet Dancer off Kentucky Derby trail, getting a break

By Mike Welsch
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Barbara D. Livingston
Discreet Dancer has been taken off the Kentucky Derby trail.

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Trainer Todd Pletcher has decided to take Discreet Dancer, who finished a tiring third behind Union Rags in the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth, off the Triple Crown trail. Pletcher originally intended to run Discreet Dancer on Sunday in the Louisiana Derby. Discreet Dancer is owned by Robsham Stables.

“After discussing the situation with Mrs. Robsham, we decided to take him off the Triple Crown trail and just send him up to Ocala and give him a little holiday,” Pletcher said. “Everything seemed to be happening a little too quickly for him, and we thought maybe he was not quite ready for all this right now. His last race was a little bit of a puzzler, and although he trained okay since, I didn’t feel he was getting ready to win the Kentucky Derby, so we decided to take the conservative approach and give him a little chance to grow up and mature.”

Pletcher said no time frame has been set for when Discreet Dancer might return.

“We’re going to give him enough of a break to be meaningful without being too long,” Pletcher said. “We’ll see him sometime later in the year.”

 

OwenJ More than 1 year ago
Thumbs Thumbs up Todd. Discreet Dancer had as much chance of placing in the Derby as me beating Usain Bolt in the 100-metres at the Olympics!
Steve Burton More than 1 year ago
I was gonna play him in the LA Derby, without the likes of Union Rags in there. Although I agree with KC, I thought he had a great chance to win in spite of that fact. I'm never against giving a horse time off(Tueflesburgh comes to mind), and glad they aren't forcing him into the Triple Crown( i.e. Secret Circle).
Anonymous More than 1 year ago
the winner of the Southwest AND Rebel is being forced into the Triple Crown? The winner of the Southwest and Rebel should be in the Derby if 100%.
Steve Burton More than 1 year ago
Ala The Factor, sprinters can win 2 turn races, when they are facing much lesser quality. If he can pull off the Juvy Sprint/Ky Derby double, more power to him, I will eat crow, and call him one amazing freak!
KeenelandCapper More than 1 year ago
please please let this horse stay 1 turn..he is not a turn turn horse and anyone who knows racing knows this..this horse could win king bishop and all the 1 turn miles down the road...glad to see he off the triple crown trail..
Steve Burton More than 1 year ago
I wonder what the connections of Caleb's Posse would say, if you asked them if they regret not running him in the triple crown races?
Don Passidomo More than 1 year ago
Discreet Dancer, enjoy your time off, and hope you come back a champ! Don
Douglas Rutherford More than 1 year ago
Don Passidomo , good morning my friend . Say , you have been a 100% fan to Gemologist from day one I do believe . A question for you before the Florida Derby starts . Who do you honestly believe at this time who ( Javier Castellano ) would ride going into the KENTUCKY DERBY if and when ( El Padrino and Gemologist ) make the Derby . Do you believe Javier really wants to commit again this soon . And what IF , just what if they both run 2nd ( Florida Derby and Wood Memorial ) - do you believe your answer would still hold to be true . I have been wondering this question for awhile . Julien Leparoux has been a dear frind of mine for afew years now , I was so happy how things went with Leparoux by taking over the mount on Union Rags . It was so amazing how many LIVE MOUNTS Juvier has for these Derby Prep Colts , wowwwwwww ! Seriously Though Don , Do You Believe Juvier Heart is really for Gemologist ( AT THIS TIME ) . I am asking you because you tell it like it is , and your a stand-up fan ............... Hope to get a response from you . I am leaving for DUBAI this morning for the DUBAI WORLD CUP , I wiill read your response when I return back to Lexington , Ky Monday . Hope you reply , God Bless and enjoy this week-ends races
Don Passidomo More than 1 year ago
Thanks so much DR, have a lot to say, and will do the best I can, although I believe the JC question contains the answer, as to what he will do, he rides the horses and of course there is the owners input, however, as for "Gem" true I am a huge fan and hope and believe that he will continue to be undefeated, etc., however I was not from day one, I bet against him at CD in his Grade-2 win and I learned from it, it cost me bigtime with my bets that day,and when I returned to look at that race over winter I was struck by the obvious, he runs as good if not better than UR time will tell, creative cause if my other tri (top 3 as we speak..I hope JC stays with Gem, and so happy JL in on UR he deserves favour, just hope they all get a chance to run against eachother in KD, who knows there may even be a unspoken champ out there who arises like the Phoenix, gosh enoy your trip! Keep in touch,