Catch A Wave 2023 Chariots of Fire Photo by Hamilton Content Creators
TRAINER Andy Gath is thrilled with Miracle Mile winner Catch A Wave but knows how tomorrow night's $100,000 Ballarat Cup run could dictate his chances.
The five-year-old is first-up since winning the Breeders Crown 4YO final at Melton on November 18, which was his 19th win from just 30 starts.
"Even though it was a late decision to run, I'm glad we are," Gath said. "It wasn't just the times he ran in the (Melton) trial Monday, but the way he ran past two quality horses and hit the line."
"That's what you want to see after he probably wasn't quite at his top for much of his last campaign."
"He wasn't far off, but unless you're 100 per cent these days, you'll be found out."
"Apart from the Victoria Cup (second) and Breeders Crown win, a few of his runs were down on his best."
Catch A Wave drew gate six but will come into five with the scratching of emerging pacer Serg Blanco.
"There's lots of speed under him, and he's not quick enough to cross them at the start," Gath said. "So, do you take the risk of going forward and hoping they take a sit on you, but possibly having to sit in the 'death' where it's almost impossible to win from at this level?"
"Then, if we go back, how far back do we end up? You're relying on how the race is run if you get too far back, especially around Ballarat."
"I'm sure he's the best horse in the race at his top, but it's a tricky race from the draw."
Gath hasn't ruled out running Catch A Wave again at Melton on Saturday week, which would mean racing three consecutive weeks in the Hunter Cup on February 3.
"We'll make that decision after Ballarat, but it's an option," he said.
"If you look through his form, he usually races best in the big races when he's run the week before."
"Against that, he did have two weeks between runs when he won the Miracle Mile."
"It's probably less likely than likely he'll run three weeks in a row, but what he does at Ballarat and how he comes through it will decide that."
Another option Gath is considering is the $100,000 Cranbourne Cup the week after the Hunter Cup as part of his build-up to the Miracle Mile.
"There's plenty of options, which is great. I'll be a lot clearer after this weekend."
