Echuca trainer Gwenda Johnstone can’t fault the appearance or the form of Catch That Cat as the mare prepares to tackle the corresponding Moonee Valley race she won a year ago.
“She looks a million dollars,” Johnstone said.
“She’s been thriving and how she is, we feel she will run a really good race.”
Catch That Cat heads to Saturday’s 1200m mares’ handicap having been competitive in Group Three sprints against her own sex at her past two starts.
The mare was fourth to subsequent Group One winner Politeness at Caulfield two starts ago before finishing eighth, beaten less than two lengths, behind Pittsburgh Flyer at Flemington on November 5.
“We probably chucked her in the deep end and she has been excellent,” Johnstone said.
“This is the race she won last year, and we’re really happy with her.”
Catch That Cat returned from a year off the scene to win a benchmark race at Kyneton in early November last year in her first start for Johnstone, then added the Moonee Valley win at the end of that month.
After having a bone chip removed, Catch That Cat returned to racing in August and although she hasn’t won in her four starts so far this campaign, Johnstone has been thrilled her spring performances.
Catch That Cat, who has two wins and a third from four Moonee Valley starts, is the second favourite at $3.50 behind Liten Prinsessa ($3.20).
Apprentice Harry Coffey’s 1.5kg claim will bring Catch That Cat into the race with 57kg.