Harness
Australian Harness Racing Preview: 2nd May - 3rd May 2025
A wide barrier thwarted Catch A Wave’s attempt at back-to-back Nullarbors but the ace draw should give him every chance to defend last year’s Fremantle Cup title at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
Catch A Wave had been racing well leading into last week's Nullarbor but the extreme outside barrier made things too tough for the Victorian gelding and he only beat one home.
But a big change in barrier fortunes will make Catch A Wave a much different proposition when he starts from the pegs in Friday's Group 1 over 2936m.
He impressively beat subsequent Nullarbor winner Mister Smartee - a rival he tackles again in the Fremantle Cup - two starts back so is in good form and has won three of five tries at Gloucester Park
Catch A Wave came from much wider and raced deep when winning last year's Fremantle Cup so the inside barrier should give him every chance to defend his crown.
Mister Smartee officially stepped up to the big time when overcoming a wide draw for a tough win in last week's Nullarbor, taking his record at Gloucester Park to a phenomenal 15 wins from 18 attempts.
He enjoyed the step up in distance there and while and while he goes up further to a journey he is yet to attempt he gives the impression it will suit.
He draws on the back of Catch a Wave and if the gaps come he is a big chance to do the double.
Minstrel was taken on in front when a beaten favourite in the Nullarbor so was brave in boxing on for third. He hasn't placed in three tries at this distance but he is a class performer so with luck from the draw he is good enough to win.
Gee Heza Sport was a real eye catcher when flashing home for second in the Nullarbor. He is a two-time second-up winner so should be at his peak.
Mighty Ronaldo was the luckless runner of The Nullarbor when held up. He may be relying on luck again from his second row draw but looks to be in good shape.
Luke McCarthy's mare made it four wins in a row with a dominant performance in the Regional Championships Final at Wagga last start, drawing on the back row but working around the field to take up the running before scoring by close to 8m.
She draws wide but has a terrific record at this circuit and distance, winning eight of 13 and doesn't lack for class.
My Moonlite Dream is an interesting rival having shown what she is capable of when runner-up in two Inter Dominion heats late last year. She is yet to win fresh but a trial win suggests she is in good order.
Rakero Rebel did it tough so was far from disgraced when midfield last week. She draws wide again but had put together a string of wins prior so deserves another chance.
Renewal is an accomplished mare first up for the Kerryann Morris yard. She has yet to miss a place fresh and has won three of five attempts here so should be ready to go off two trials while Sahara Breeze could progress off a resuming win from the back row at Melton.
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