Champ to miss Miracle Mile

REIGNING champion Catch A Wave will miss his Miracle Mile defence.

Producing a gallant effort when second in last night's Geelong Rocket, Catch A Wave was found to be "slightly lame" after the sprint.

A subsequent vet's examination revealed the son of Captaintreacherous was suffering from a hoof corn.

The minor injury adds to Catch A Wave's performance after he raced in the 'death seat' only to be beaten a neck behind Mach Dan.

Driver Kate Gath - wife of trainer Andy - revealed the news stating "It's a corn and nothing else...they checked everything and cut it out.

"He'll miss the Mile but be right to go again in a couple of weeks."

With Gath in the cart, Catch A Wave caused a false start during the first Miracle Mile attempt before dashing to the lead from barrier five on the second occasion.

Proving too slick, the four-year-old stopped the clock in 1:48.8 as Spirit Of St Louis and Honolua Bay filled the placings.

Thanks to his Newcastle Mile triumph last night, Leap To Fame became the first runner to earn a berth in the Miracle Mile at Club Menangle on March 9.

Other hopefuls, including Rocket winner, Mach Dan, will head to the world class venue to contest one of two qualifiers for the $1million Garrards-sponsored sprint next weekend.