Discreet Cat still ailing; return to U.S. delayed

Discreet Cat's return to America from Dubai has been delayed, as he is still recovering from the throat infection that caused him to run so poorly in the Dubai World Cup.

"His condition has improved since then, but not enough to send him to New York at the end of this month as originally planned," explained Simon Crisford, racing manager for the colt's owners, Godolphin Racing.

"His recovery has been slower than expected, and he will remain in Dubai until we can sort things out. He will probably not leave for America until the middle of next month."

The delay means that Discreet Cat will miss his intended date in the Metropolitan Handicap at Belmont Park on May 28 and is not likely to return to action until the second half of the season.

A 4-year-old son of Forestry, Discreet Cat lost for the first time in his career when he trailed throughout in the March 31 Dubai World Cup, won by Invasor. It was subsequently discovered that he was suffering from a throat infection, which caused a blockage that impaired his breathing.

Meanwhile, Godolphin's UAE 1000 Guineas and UAE Oaks winner Folk and its Nashua Stakes winner Day Pass are on schedule to be shipped to Belmont with the regular contingent of Godolphin horses at the end of April.