Surfin’ Safari has had a longer two-year-old season than many his age, but his wet-track form could tempt trainer Paul Perry to give him one more run as a juvenile.
The colt extended his record to four wins from six starts on a heavy track at Rosehill on Saturday when he came out on top in the 2YO handicap (1200m) by half neck after a tussle with Vanbrugh.
Surfin Safari
Perry’s foreman, son Shannon, said the trainer would discuss options with Surfin’ Safari’s owners with less than four weeks until season’s end.
“He is still on the up and his biggest asset right now is that he loves the wet tracks,” Perry said.
“Dad will discuss it with the owners.
“There is a nice stakes race on Cox Plate day that we’ve had success in over 1200 metres.
“I think he is purely a sprinter.”
Surfin’ Safari was ridden by Thomas Huet who has built a successful combination with Perry in recent weeks.
He started the $3.50 favourite ahead of Vanburgh ($5).
The fertility-challenged Starspangledbanner, who won two Group One races in Australia and two in England, has already produced a Group One winner from his first northern hemisphere crop and is also doing well in Australia with limited runners.
“He has stamped his progeny and Surfin’ Safari even has a white spot on his stomach although not as big as Starspangledbanner’s,” Perry said.
