09 September 2024 | Michael Court
NO horse performs better at Menangle than Catch A Wave.
At least not on Saturday night.
And as leading Victorian driver Kate Gath admitted “he just loves this place.”
Gath was all smiles after the former Chariots Of Fire and Miracle Mile winner staved off a quality field to win Saturday night’s $150,000 TAB Len Smith Mile.
The five-year-old, trained by Andy Gath, held off the fast-finishing District Attorney by one and three-quarter metres with Max Delight a half-head back in third place in a 1:49.8 mile.
“This horse has really had me guessing over the past couple of weeks,” said Gath as she brought Catch A Wave back to the cheers of a massive crowd.
“He has been really good at home and just hadn’t really been bringing that to the races.
“Tonight, he did.
“And he does love this track and seems to save his best efforts for here.
“And he doesn’t mind the big races either.
“It’s simply great to have him back to his best and get another big race win under his belt.
“Over his career he’s shown what he’s capable of.
“Andy and I feel we’re lucky to have him and it’s just great to be involved with a horse like this.”
It was a masterly drive by Kate as she quickly got Catch A Wave up into the early action when Major Moth looked to hold the lead from the inside gate.
Her gamble paid off when Speak The Truth came around and handed Catch A Wave a one-one trail as the leaders put away a 54.9 first half of the mile.
The third split in 28s saw Gath make her move and turning for home Catch A Wave rounded up his rivals and a 26.9 final split was enough to hold off District Attorney who came from midfield for Will Rixon with a flashing finish.
The perennially unlucky Max Delight raced on the pegs just behind the speed and finished fast up the inside for a narrow second . . . but all honours were with Catch A Wave, who showed he could meet and beat anything – as long as it was at Menangle.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION TELEPHONE CLUB MENANGLE RACING MANAGER DAVID WONSON ON 0438-398-251.
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