Surf Cat, a 3-year-old son of
Sir Cat unleashed a strong kick rounding the second turn and drew off to an impressive five-length triumph in Saturday's Swaps Breeders' Cup Stakes (gr. II) at Hollywood Park.
Ridden by Alex Solis as the 8-5 second choice, Surf Cat stalked the pacesetter Dover Dare to the final turn before being asked for his run. He responded and drew off to an easy victory in final time of 1:48 for 1 1/8 miles.
The winner paid $5.40, $3.60, and $3.00 as Dover Dare, ridden by Patrick Valenzuela, held second and returned $7.40 and $5.00. Indian Ocean, with Jon Court, finished third, paying $3.80. Derby Trial winner and Kentucky Derby (gr. I) fourth place finisher Don't Get Mad finished fifth as the 6-5 favorite.
Owned by Aase Headley and Marsha Naify and trained by Bruce Headley, Surf Cat was bred in Kentucky by Gainesway Farm and William Taylor Nicholls. Purchased for $25,000 at a Fasig-Tipton Kentucky sale, Surf Cat has won three of six lifetime starts, with three runner-up efforts in his three other outings. Previous to the Swaps, the colt was second to Indian Ocean as the even-money favorite in the Affirmed Handicap (gr. III).
(Chart: Equibase)
