The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained Surf Dancer (IRE) will aim for the inaugural running of $2,000,000 The Big Dance following his win in Saturday’s Group II Ned Whisky Shannon Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill.
Ridden by Regan Bayliss, the 6yo Lope De Vega gelding defeated Old Flame (GB) (Invincible Spirit) by length, with Ellsberg (Spill The Beans) a length back in third.
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.
The son of Lope De Vega (IRE) advances his record to six wins, and three thirds from 17 starts, with earnings of $362,731.
Adrian Bott said the $2,000,000 The Big Dance (1600m) at Randwick on November 1 had been earmarked, but he will need another run before then.
“It was always the plan to get him back, give him a good freshen up and a couple of runs into the Big Dance,” Bott said.
“It’s the first inception of the race this year, he’s got the qualification, and it’s worth a lot of money. We’ll look to go that way.
“There is another run. Just have to weigh up what that is. Today was going to be the deciding factor on how forward we thought he was and how far up in grade we go. It’s good to see him proven at this class. We through him at the deep end coming here today. He has responded very well.”
Bred by Skymarc Farm and Qatar Bloodstock, Surf Dancer (IRE) is the best of two winners from three to race out of the stakes-winning Invincible Spirit mare Beach Belle.
