Catch A Wave Photo by Pacepix
Victoria's top pacer, Catch A Wave, is back in serious work.
Trainer Andy Gath confirmed the five-year-old only had a short break after his triumphant two-race raid in Perth during April, where he won both the $1.25mil Group 1 Nullarbor and $300,000 Group 1 Fremantle Cup.
"You don't want to give them too long out; it's hard to get the weight off them again," Gath said.
"He had a bit of a break and was back jogging again, and he's just had his first fast workout, so I'd say he's about six weeks away from a race."
Catch A Wave's first major target back will be the $150,000 Group 1 Len Smith Mile at Menangle on September 7.
It's a return to the track and distance where he first really stamped himself, winning the huge Chariots Of Fire/Miracle Mile double early last year.
Beyond the Len Smith, Gath is focused on his hometown's $300,000 Group 1 Victoria Cup on October 12.
Then things get interesting.
Gath has ruled out another Menangle visit for the Inter Dominion series towards the end of the year.
Instead, he is keen to return to Perth for the $450,000 Group 1 WA Pacing Cup at Gloucester Park on November 11.
"As long as he's going well and we can get the right sort of flights, we'll take him back to Perth. He thrived over there at Greg and Skye Bond's amazing place," Gath said.
It goes without saying that the fact that Leap To Fame won't go to Perth is another big plus.
As much as Gath loves Catch A Wave, he is in awe of Leap To Fame.
"I know we'll have to race him at times, and we won't shy away from that, but if you can run in big races without having to take him on, then it's a great option," he said.
Catch A Wave has met Leap To Fame just once this year when he ran miles below his best in the Hunter Cup.
The way it's shaping, the only other likely meeting in 2024 is the Victoria Cup.
And even that may hinge on whether Leap To Fame chases and the NZ Cup, which could see him head to NZ earlier for a lead-up race and bypass the Victoria Cup.
