Catch a Wave’s warms up to the Miracle Mile

Catch A Wave’s (Captain Treacherous) Miracle Mile prospects received a boost when as expected he outclassed his rivals in the Morsbearings Pace at Terang last night.

Despite his star status, Catch A Wave’s trainer Andy Gath bypassed the higher quality Terang Cup in favour of the shorter event and harness racing patrons were treated to a polished display by the six year old gelding.

In a small field of only six starters, Kate Gath was not inclined to go hard early and she allowed Catch A Wave to ease back to the rear with Collective Works and Operative Line having a stirring battle for the early lead.

Rock N Roll Doo who had some support was set alight by Mick Stanley as they turned in the straight with a  lap left to travel which meant that Catch A Wave was forced to race outside the leader.

Catch A Wave edged ever closer on leaving the back straight and once in front at the top of the home straight eased away for an impressive 9 metre win over Rock N Roll Doo with Operative Line a distant third.

In winning Catch A Wave equalled Honalua’s mile rate of 1.52.6 for the 1680 metre trip. He ran his last two quarters in 27.7 seconds and looked to have plenty in reserve.

Catch A Wave will now head off to Sydney and race on March 1 at Menangle in order to try and qualify for the Group 1 $1 million Miracle Mile one week later.

He is likely to be accompanied by stablemate Watts Up Partytime last start winner of the Great Southern Star Trotters Heat and Final. Watts Up Partytime will look to contest the Group 1 $100,000 Hammerhead Trotters Mile.

Catch A Wave’s win was especially satisfying as he is raced by local identity Pauline Matthews.

Given that the Miracle Mile is likely to be a sub 1.50 Catch A Wave will need to be at his very best to repeat his 2023 success but he is now racing in top form and he will be in contention for the star studded field.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink