Invasor's run hits 6 in Dubai

Invasor avenged the only defeat of his career with a stirring victory in the $6 million Dubai World Cup yesterday, outdueling Premium Tap in the stretch while rival Discreet Cat never posed a threat and finished last in the seven-horse field.

Invasor, the 2006 Horse of the Year, extended his winning streak to six and his career record to 11 wins in 12 races. The only loss came against Discreet Cat in last year's UAE Derby over the same Nad Al Sheba track.

Invasor took charge from Premium Tap and pulled away to win by 1 3/4 lengths in the world's richest race, which capped a day of races worth $21.25 million.

Premium Tap was second, with Bullish Luck third, another 10 lengths back.

Discreet Cat, owned by Dubai's leader, Sheik Mohammed, finished 23 lengths behind for his first loss after six victories.

In other races, New Zealand-bred Vengeance of Rain ran to victory in the $5 million Dubai Sheema Classic; Asiatic Boy pulled away for an easy victory in the $2 million UAE Derby; Kentucky-bred Kelly's Landing won the $2 million Dubai Golden Shaheen, a 6-furlong sprint on the dirt; and Spring At Last won the $1 million Godolphin Mile by 2 3/4 lengths over Parole Board.

Florida Derby -- Scat Daddy pulled away in the stretch for a 1 1/4-length victory over Notional in the $1 million event at Gulfstream Park to become one of the leading contenders for the Kentucky Derby May 5.

In the Fountain of Youth four weeks ago, Scat Daddy beat Stormello by a nose. This time, there was no doubt as Scat Daddy won for the fifth time in eight starts, finishing the 1 1/8 miles in 1:49.