Red Wave is back for another crack at the Ipswich Cup, and co-trainer Maddysen Sears believes the defending champion is hitting form at the right time despite a delayed start to his winter campaign.

A bruised heel forced a two-week setback, pushing his program closer together, but a fast-finishing effort in the Wayne Wilson (1600m) at Eagle Farm gave connections renewed confidence.

“He has run the fastest last 200 metres of that race, which we were stoked about,” Sears said. “He’s had a day at the beach, galloped well on Thursday, and he’s ticking over perfectly.”

Red Wave will carry 58.5kg this time after his wins in last year’s Ipswich Cup and the Toowoomba Cup. However, a soft barrier draw in gate three offsets some of the weight rise.

“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 added. “Both our horses in the race will be very hard to beat.”

That second runner is Poetic Drama, who steps up to a middle-distance journey for the first time after a luckless run in the Magic Millions National Classic.

“She was stuck behind horses and went to the line untested. If she stays the trip, she’s going very well and should be in the finish,” Sears said.

Sears also confirmed Yellow Brick will be freshened and aimed at the Epsom Handicap following his second in the Stradbroke Handicap last weekend.

Punters can check form and pricing for Red Wave and Poetic Drama via the best betting sites Australia, featuring trusted bookmakers and top-rated betting apps for racing value.