Red Wave’s campaign didn’t begin quite as planned, but co-trainer Maddysen Sears is confident the six-year-old is now primed to defend his crown in Saturday’s Listed Ipswich Cup (2150m).
An initial plan to resume in mid-May was delayed due to a bruised heel, compressing his preparation and leading to a third-up run on a seven-day back-up from the Wayne Wilson (1600m) at Eagle Farm last weekend.
“He has run the fastest last 200 metres of that race, which we were stoked about,” Sears said. “It was a good lead-up run for him heading into the Cup this weekend.”
Red Wave has enjoyed a smooth week since, including a beach session and a strong Thursday gallop. He carried 53kg to win the Ipswich Cup last year but now shoulders 58.5kg after also winning the Toowoomba Cup (2000m).
“He’s got more weight but he has drawn well and I don’t think it’s as hard a race as what it was last year,” Sears said. “Both our horses in the race will be very hard to beat.”
The stable also saddles up Poetic Drama, who stretches to 2150m after a luckless sixth in the Magic Millions National Classic (1600m). Sears is optimistic about her ability to run out the trip.
“Last start she got stuck behind a wall of horses,” she said. “She was totally untested. If she runs the journey, which we think she will, she will be really hard to beat too.”
The Sears team came close to Group 1 glory last weekend when Yellow Brick finished second in the Stradbroke Handicap (1400m). He’ll now be aimed at the Epsom Handicap (1600m) this spring.
With Red Wave defending his Ipswich Cup title and Poetic Drama stepping up in trip, punters can find great value at the best betting sites Australia, including top bookmakers and betting apps for weekend racing.