Gath’s star readies for battle with champ

Andy Gath admits that eight-time Group 1 harness racing winner Catch A Wave (Captaintreacherous) will have to be at his very best if he is to topple great pacer Leap To Fame (Bettor’s Delight) in Saturday night’s Hertz Melton Casey Classic.

The Long Forrest-trainer decided to skip last week’s Ballarat Cup and put his focus in this week’s $30,000 event with an eye towards the February 1 Sportsbet A.G. Hunter Cup.

“It was a 50/50 (if we were to run at Ballarat) the first up over 2700 was the main issue and if you have a brutally run race first up – it probably wasn’t ideal,” Gath said.

The six-year-old has had two trials since making his return with his last run coming in New Zealand on November 15.

“His two trials have been good,” he said. “He had runs that were no doubt below his best and sometimes a trip to Perth can do that to you.

“To us he seems very much on song, and he will have to be when you have to go up against Leap To Fame.”

The 56-year-old has a great appreciation for the Queensland pacer and winner of over three-million-dollars.

“I have huge respect for him and as a harness racing fan – I love watching him race.” he said.

“You just have to admire his brutality whether he is competition or not. Grant (Dixon) and I have a great respect for each other – we both have mutual respect for each other’s horse.”

With all the accolades that Catch A Wave has achieved, Gath puts one trait above all else.

“He can go faster than all the other horses,” Gath laughed.

“Early in his career he was a noted front runner and things have changed for him at Melton over the longer distance and he can’t be used out of the gate.

“He is a horse that usually performs on the big stage.”

The winner of over two-million-dollars still has what it takes to chase Grand Circuit glory.

“I still think he has plenty more to give,” Gath said. “We have changed his work at home, and we think it is agreeing with him, but until you race – you really won’t know.

“Physically he is in great order, and he is really happy.”

Catch A Wave has drawn five with Leap To Fame sitting in three for the $30,000 event.

by Lachlan Mitchell, for Harness Racing Victoria