Surf Cat wins second LeRoy Handicap

INGLEWOOD, Calif. - Surf Cat's second career victory in the $150,000 Mervyn LeRoy Handicap at Hollywood Park on Saturday once again reaffirmed the 6-year-old's status in the handicap division.

Ridden by Alex Solis, Surf Cat ($7.20) rallied from fifth to win the Grade 2 Mervyn Leroy by a half-length over pacesetter Desert Code, who set early fractions of 23.42 and 46.01 seconds. Desert Code, who led by a half-length in early stretch, finished a length in front of Global Hunter, an Argentine import making his U.S. debut who appeared to brush the rail on the first turn.

Monzante, the 6-5 favorite, finished sixth in the field of eight, never reaching contention.

Surf Cat ran 1 1/16 miles in 1:41.13, winning his second stakes in four starts this year. He won the Grade 2 San Carlos Handicap at Santa Anita in February, a race he also won in 2006.

Saturday's win in the Mervyn LeRoy was not as flashy as his 3 1/2-length victory in the 2006 running, but gave Surf Cat his ninth career win in 18 starts for owners Aase Headley and Marsha Naify and trainer Bruce Headley. By Sir Cat, Surf Cat has earned $925,420.