One eye on the Derby as Catch A Wave kick-starts campaign

Trainer Andy Gath is hoping to see a relaxed version of his superstar pacer Catch A Wave when he returns to the races this Saturday night at Melton.

The much-hyped son of Captaintreacherous is somewhat of a surprise entrant in the TAB Vicbred Championship heat, where he will have his first start since May’s triumph in the Group 1 APG Vic Gold Bullion 3YO Colts and Geldings Final.

His return comes on the back of just one hit-out at the trials when he dazzled with a slick victory at Tabcorp Park on August 8.

“The most important thing is trying to get him to relax in his races,” Gath said.

“His trial was really good and we were really pleased with it.

“Like all good horses, not much stresses them. He came through it really good and his work since has been A+ as you’d imagine.

“He seems to be in a really good space mentally at the moment, so that’s the main thing with him.”

Gath has one eye on October’s Victoria Derby for Catch A Wave, who he hopes can develop the “ringcraft” needed to compete at the elite level over the staying trip of 2760m.

“Eight is not the greatest draw for him. But in saying that, we went into this race knowing he’d hopefully draw the back row, which is what we wanted to do anyway for a couple of runs,” Gath said.

“Hopefully he relaxes and finishes off strong like he did at the trials.”

Catch A Wave will likely start a warm favourite in this Saturday night’s heat despite the tricky inside back row draw, and all going well will tackle the $30,000 final back at Melton a week later.

The bay gelding is owned by Richard and Pauline Matthews, who tasted success with Chris Lang-trained More Wanted in last weekend’s Group 1 APTS 3YO Trotting Colts and Geldings Final.

Catch A Wave has won nine of his 10 career starts, including two Group 1s and more than $290,000 in prizemoney.

Rob Auber and Steve Cleave will drive Saturday night’s TrotsVision coverage alongside caller Dan Mielicki.

The first of nine races is scheduled for 6.01pm.