After finishing last in the $775,000 The Archer at Rockhampton on April 30, Surf Dancer (IRE) gave lie to that effort when scything between runners to claim the Group III Ladbrokes BRC Sprint (1350m) at Doomben on Saturday.
Ridden by Josh Parr for Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, the son of Lope de Vega (IRE) darted back to the rail to mount a challenge in the straight. The 6yo gelding defeated the NZ-trained Pierro gelding Dragon Leap by a head with three-quarters of a length back to the fast-finishing Cardinal Gem (Choisir) in third.
Adrian Bott said he put a line through Surf Dancer’s most recent start.
“Unfortunately, things didn’t work out in Rockhampton,” Bott said.
“Maybe it was the travel up there. He’s been able to bounce back really well here.
“We thought this race may be a bit sharp for him. We saw early in the race that they went strong early, and Josh struggling to hold his position.
“He was able to get the right runs on the inside, and he was strong late.
“He’s a European-raced horse, and they always enjoy a bit of give in the ground. The tempo was a good test for him, so it may give him a bit of stamina.
“Undoubtedly, he’s most effective over the mile trip, but he’s been great today.
“We were more using this race as a set up for a nice mile race in a fortnight (in preference to putting in a late nom for the Stradbroke).”
The Group II Shannon Stakes winner at Rosehill last September, Surf Dancer (IRE) advances his record to seven wins, three thirds from 23 starts, with earnings of $666,231.
A €260,000 purchase for China Horse Club/Ballylinch Stud from the Jamie Railton Sales Agency consignment at the 2018 Goffs Orby Sale, Surf Dancer (IRE) was a Listed stakes-winner in the UK for William Haggas.
Bred by Skymarc Farm and Qatar Bloodstock, Surf Dancer (IRE) is the best of three winners from as many to race out of the stakes-winning Invincible Spirit mare Beach Belle, a half-sister to Group 1 Critérium de Saint-Cloud winner Dubai Mile (Roaring Lion) and dual Listed winner Naadirr (Oasis Dream).
