Exciting son of Captaintreacherous returns on Saturday

Catch A Wave (Captaintreacherous) will have five harness racing rivals to face when he resumes from a spell in Saturday night’s Preux Chevalier Free For All at Melton.

The Andy Gath-trained superstar has drawn gate three for his first run since March’s Miracle Mile triumph and will start an extremely short-priced favourite in his return.

Stablemate and half-brother Yambukian has gate one for the 2240m contest, Julie Douglas provides opposition with Rick Reilly (two) and Interest Free (four), David Aiken has Max Delight from barrier five and John Justice must contend with the outside gate of six with Huli Hien.

Catch A Wave has been back in work at Gath’s Long Forest stables since mid-April and tuned up for a first-up start with an electric trial win at Melton last Tuesday.

“It’s good to have him back at the races. For him, it’s the perfect starting point,” Gath said.

“There’s always a little bit of pressure when you’re rocking up with a horse that everyone expects to win, but I’d be disappointed if he doesn’t get the job done.

“I’ve been really happy with him this time in. His trial has been good and work has been A-plus, so he’s in great order.”

All roads this preparation lead to the inaugural running of the TAB Eureka at Menangle on September 2.

The son of Captaintreacherous is second favourite to win the $2.1million feature, with Queensland gun Leap To Fame the current punters’ pick at $2.

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 Captain Ravishing and The Lost Storm in between races at the meeting, which is being used as a promotional event for Danny and Jo Zavitsanos’ slot in the Eureka.

“Team Zav” has secured Captain Ravishing as its runner in the race, while the TAB has locked in The Lost Storm.

If Catch A Wave isn’t to feature at Geelong, it is likely he would be nominated for the Our Maestro FFA the following night at Melton.

This Saturday’s card is also headlined by two Australasian Premier Trotting Sales finals for three-year-old squaregaiters, the Catanach Jewellers Jane Ellen and HBV Lightfoot Laurels.

Emma Stewart will prepare more than half the field in the Jane Ellen, including Group 1 winner Tough Tilly who returns from a spell.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Tim O’Connor, for Harness Racing Victoria