Riding the Wave

Zabeel Racing International's Surfer (Distorted Humor) has gone two-for-two over Meydan's new dirt surface, including a maiden stakes score in the G2 Al Maktoum Challenge R1 last out Jan. 8, and the 6-year-old gelding will look to extend his streak to three in the G2 Al Maktoum Challenge R2 at Meydan today. Surfer has always been highly regarded by the team of trainer Satish Seemar, and was second to back-to-back scorer Prince Bishop (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) in this event in 2013. His strongest performance of last year's carnival was a third in the G1 Al Maktoum Challenge R3, and he has been a decisive scorer in both starts this season since switching to the dirt, first in a mile conditions race Dec. 18 and then over the same distance in Round 1 four weeks ago over the re-opposing Frankyfourfingers (Fr) (Sunday Break {Jpn}). Surfer has yet to win beyond a mile, but regular rider Richie Mullen said today's added distance won't pose a problem. 

“It was a very good performance in the first round,” said Mullen. “He really took to the new surface and has been in good form since. The extra trip is not an issue. This does look a stronger race but he should run well.” 

One who won't have distance limitations is last year's G1 Dubai World Cup victor African Story (GB) (Pivotal {GB}), who makes his first start since that upset score. The Godolphin colorbearer had developed a love affair with the Meydan Tapeta and enjoyed two victories on the Dubai World Cup card: first in the G2 Godolphin Mile in 2012 and in the main event last year. In between, he took the G2 Burj Nahaar in 2013 and was second in this race last year. The 8-year-old gelding could be counted on to consistently show up on the artificial surface, but how he will handle the dirt remains to be seen. The third of the trio saddled by Saeed bin Suroor will be Emirates Flyer (GB) (Acclamation {GB}), who won last year's UAE 2000 Guineas Trial and was placed in four subsequent starts, including a third in the G2 UAE Derby. He was second in a Wolverhampton conditions race in his first start since that Mar. 29 effort Oct. 9, and was fifth in his first try on the dirt in Round 1. Bin Suroor, who is seeking his 11th win in this race, said, “Emirates Flyer has improved from that first run. He handled the surface and with the benefit of that run should go well.” 

Of his other two charges, he added, “Prince Bishop won this well last year when African Story also ran very well. Both need to prove themselves on the dirt but are in good form at home and working well. They will both improve for the run but are ready for a race. This race has been the plan for both their comebacks all along.”