Catch A Wave nearing trial as Eureka campaign heats up

Tuesday night is looming as Catch A Wave’s (Captaintreacherous) highly-anticipated return to the track, with harness racing trainer Andy Gath preparing the superstar pacer for his first public trial since March’s Miracle Mile triumph.

But Gath won’t make a call on whether or not the boom four-year-old will head to Melton next week until a crucial piece of work is completed on the training track in Long Forest.

“He’s going to fast work again Saturday and then I’ll definitely make a decision whether he’s going to trial or not,” Gath told thetrots.com.au.

“He’s got plenty of miles under his legs, it’s been a long and slow preparation and his fast work today was really good. I’m really happy with him.”

If all goes to plan, harness racing fans can expect to see Catch A Wave back at the races at Melton on July 22 as he continues a path towards the $2.1million TAB Eureka later in the year.

The son of Captaintreacherous is second favourite to win the inaugural running of the race on September 2, with Queensland gun Leap To Fame the current punters’ pick at $3.20.

Gath said he will keep Catch A Wave in Victoria for his lead-up runs into the Eureka, which is scheduled for Menangle.

The horse has won two of three starts at New South Wales’ premier track, with stunning victories in the Chariots of Fire and Miracle Mile coming before a spell.

Those results have taken his career record to 17 wins from 22 starts with prizemoney earnings up over $1million.

Catch A Wave is also a possible starter in a planned exhibition trial at Geelong on August 4.

There is the potential he will line-up against TAB Eureka rivals Captain Ravishing and The Lost Storm in between races at the meeting.

by Tim O’Connor, for Harness Racing Victoria