Mervyn LeRoy

Surf Cat rode a winning wave to glory in the Mervyn LeRoy (Benoit Photo)

Aase Headley and Marsha Naify’s SURF CAT (Sir Cat) proved much the best in
Saturday’s $150,000
Mervyn LeRoy H. (G2), launching a scintillating run midway
on the far turn that carried him from last to first by the top of the stretch.
He cruised to the finish unopposed, winning by 3 1/2 lengths under Alex Solis,
and covered 1 1/16 miles over the fast track in a very respectable 1:40 3/5. The
Bruce Headley-trained colt will have to face tougher company in his upcoming
starts, but Surf Cat looks like a force to be reckoned with wherever he runs.

Breaking a step slowly from the starting gate at 1-5, Surf Cat trailed his
four rivals into the first turn and remained at the back of the pack while
Spellbinder (Tale of the Cat) carved fractions in :23 2/5 and :46 3/5. After six
furlongs had been completed in 1:09 4/5, Surf Cat kicked into gear, moving
sharply up the rail on the far turn before swinging out three wide approaching
the stretch. The four-year-old blew past his rivals and quickly opened up on the
field.

“Around the turn he felt like a train going down a hill,” Solis
exclaimed. “He is very powerful, just a great horse. He is way better
this year.”

Headley said he didn’t pay much attention until the late stages of the race.

“Then I saw lightning flash,” the conditioner said. “That was some
kinda move. It’s really a thrill to have a horse like this.”

The lowest-priced Mervyn LeRoy winner since Spectacular Bid in 1980, Surf Cat
paid $2.40, $2.10 and $2.10. Spellbinder held off Dixie Meister (Holzmeister) by
1 1/2 lengths for the place, giving back $2.20 and $2.10 at 4-1, and the 7-1
Dixie Meister returned $2.10. The salty exacta paid $5.20 for $2, and the 1-2-5
trifecta totaled $10. Keep on Punching (Silver Deputy) and Gallardo (Running
Stag) came next under the wire. Timias (Seeking the Gold) was scratched.