Catch A Wave winning the 2024 Nullabor Photo by Pacepix
CATCH A Wave is a better horse than when he took Perth by storm 12 months ago, but trainer Andy Gath admits he will need to be.
Gath floated the six-year-old from Melton to Robbie and KerryAnne Morris’ Menangle stables yesterday to prepare for today’s flight from Sydney to Perth.
He joins champion NSW stayer Swayzee on the flight with the $1.25 million Nullarbor in their sights.
“It’s a very different build-up to last year, which was all a bit of a rush and almost a last-minute thing,” Gath said.
“We’ve had more time to plan it this time, but we will be following the plan that worked so well last year.
“It’s a long trip across, especially with the drive from Melbourne to Sydney as well, so it’ll take him a couple of days to settle in.
“Providing he handles it all well, he’ll race at Gloucester Park this week and go to the Nullarbor a week later and the Fremantle Cup will be his third run in as many weeks. He thrives on that.”
Gath concedes this year’s Nullarbor is stronger than the field Catch A Wave beat 12 months ago.
“Swayzee takes any race to another level and Mister Smartee is another addition to last year’s race. He looks really exciting,” he said.
“I think Catch A Wave is better than last year and he’s certainly had a better preparation for it.”
While hugely respectful of Swayzee, Gath hopes the dual NZ Cup and Hunter Cup winner could actually help Catch A Wave’s cause.
“Just about every big race he’s in turns into a real staying test and that’s what we need … the pace on,” he said.
“There’s certainly potential for some fireworks with the Minstrel and Mister Smartee teams saying they won’t be handing up to Swayzee.
“I’m glad Swayzee will be there. I’m full of respect for him and he’ll be hard to beat, but he should also ensure the race is run the way we will like it, too.”
Catch A Wave is $3.40 second favourite behind Swayzee ($2) in the latest Nullarbor market. Minstrel ($5) and Mister Smartee ($5.50) are next in line.
PHOTO: Pacepix
