NEWS: RACING

Too Discreet too good for rivals in grassy debut

Sunday, August 2nd, 2015
NYRA/Adam Coglianese

NYRA/Adam Coglianese

by Sarah Mace

Patricia Generazio homebred Too Discreet (Discreet Cat), a full-brother to multiple graded stakes-winning turf star Discreet Marq, began his career auspiciously when he kicked off Sunday’s card at Saratoga with a wire-to-wire victory in a 5 1/2-furlong New York-bred maiden special weight.

Drawn in mid-pack in post five, and sandwiched by his neighbors after the bell, the odds-on favorite recovered quickly and was hustled to the lead by jockey Joel Rosario. The grey then carved out an opening quarter-mile in 21.84, pressed along to the inside by fellow firster and 9-2 second choice Heated Verdict (Court Vision).

Too Discreet cleared Heated Verdict in the late stages of the backstretch run, set up at the rail and widened his advantage to a length and a half in the turn. After receiving the next cue from his pilot in upper stretch, the colt opened up his advantage and cruised to a 2 1/2-length victory.

Next across the line was Heated Verdict followed another length and a half back in third by Sax Change (Exchange Rate), a 22-1 longshot who closed from the back of the pack. After a quarter-mile in 45.41, Too Discreet stopped the clock after five and a half panels at 1:03.06. [VIDEO]

Trainer Christophe Clement, who has been Discreet Marq’s conditioner throughout her career, said, “I’m very happy. He trained well. You, know, first time out – I think he’ll go longer. I’m delighted.”

When asked if Too Discreet reminded him of his celebrated sister, Clement said, “Not yet. But maybe soon,” adding, “If he could be as good as her it would be a wonderful problem to have.”

Too Discreet is out is out of the multiple stakes-winning and graded stakes-placed Marquetry mare To Marquet ($198,236), a Kentucky-bred Generazio homebred. Frank Generazio Jr. also bred To Marquet’s dam, Florida-bred Pretty Momma, a multiple stakes winner.

To Marquet’s star foal is multiple New York-bred champion Discreet Marq, a winner of seven stakes races to date, led by the Grade 1 Del Mar Oaks. Campaigned for most of her career by the Generazios, the mare brought $2.4 million at last year’s Fasig-Tipton November sale when purchased by Moyglare Stud Farm Ltd. and remains in training with Clement at age five until a planned retirement next year.

To Marquet has five progeny winners in all, including Marquet Cat (Cat Thief), who earned nearly $400,000 from 61 starts, and Marquet Madness (Pico Central) who earned over $200,000. The 18-year-old mare currently has a yearling colt who is also full sibling to Discreet Marq and Too Discreet, and was bred this year to Gio Ponti.

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