8 September 2024, from Tony Milanese
The brilliant but unpredictable CATCH A WAVE (CAPTAINTREACHEROUS) was on his best behaviour to take out the time honoured $150,000 Group 1 TAB Len Smith Mile at Menangle Park. Less fancied than his harness racing opponents in a star studded field CATCH A WAVE was caught three wide early but secured a one out and one back trail early on. A furious early start allowed pole market Major Moth to hold the lead with Speak The Truth sitting outside and the evergreen Max Delight right behind.
Driver Kate Gath came with a well timed burst at the top of the home straight and he showed great heart in holding off the fast finishing District Attorney with Max Delight coming up the inside for third. In winning CATCH A WAVE (bred by Benstud Standardbreds) ran a scorching 1.49.8 thanks in part to Major Moth setting a fast pace. A relieved Gath commented ‘he came to the fore this evening’. ‘I’ve been wracking my brains at how he can put it together’. ‘He takes a couple of runs to get it right’. ‘He loves Menangle and the big races and it’s good to be involved in another big event’.
Although Victorian based CATCH A WAVE has won his big races interstate. As a two year old he won the Crown Final at Melton as well as the Gold Bullion Three year old final at Melton but his Group 1 wins have come at Menangle and Gloucester Park. He won the Group 1 Chariots of Fire and Miracle Mile at Menangle in 2023 and then in April this year he took out both the Nullabor and Freemantle Cups.
Obviously he relishes the bigger tracks and comes to the occasion in the big races and Grand Circuit. Given his great track record at Menangle he must be considered for the forthcoming Inter dominion series to be held there later this year.
