By this time, it's pretty obvious that The Cat only needs a jockey to satisfy the requirements put up by mere humans. Other than that, it's "I've got this, bub---you just hang on for the ride." If he misses regular pilot Julian Pimentel, he isn't showing it. Trevor McCarthy, now 2-for-2 with the gelding, already has the right idea; just point The Cat at a hole and stay with him. He'll do the rest.
Whatever's in The Cat's water, he's apparently sharing it with trainer King Leatherbury, who was sporting his very own Ben's Cat tie as he posed with his star in the Pimlico winner's circle. When asked whether the gelding might try for a fifth straight Jim McKay next year, Leatherbury grinned and said, "Why not?"
Why not, indeed?