Multiple grade II winner Surf Cat returned to the worktab at Santa Anita for the first time in more than 10 months Mar. 10, breezing three furlongs in :36 over the fast main track for trainer Bruce Headley. It was the third-fastest of the 22 who went the distance on the day.
Aase Headley and Marsha Naify’s 5-year-old son of Sir Cat, who hasn’t raced since May 13 after completing a four-race win streak that included the San Carlos Handicap (gr. II), Potrero Grande Breeders’ Cup Handicap (gr. II), and Mervyn LeRoy Handicap (gr. II), has been battling foot problems. He is now back in top shape, trainer Headley said.
“He worked good, don’t you think?” Headley said. “Have you seen him? He looks so good right now. Even his tail looks good.”
Headley said that Surf Cat will have a “bunch” of works over the next several weeks and will likely make his return to action in the July 7 Triple Bend Handicap (gr. I) at Hollywood Park.
From 11 starts overall, Surf Cat has reached the winner’s circle seven times, with three seconds, for earnings of $562,420. He also won the 2005 Swaps Breeders’ Cup Stakes (gr. II) and was second in the Affirmed Handicap (gr. II).
Surf Cat's last win before suffering foot problems came in last May's Mervyn LeRoy Handicap.
