AU - Wyong - Race 2

RHETORIC (5) led for the judge last start over 6 ¼f at Canterbury but felt the pinch close to home and was swamped. Better placed back to 5 ½f and won't spend a cent from the inside gate. Great chance to break through at start three. The obvious danger is MAIDOFF (1) who returned from a four-month spell with a close second over this distance at Warwick Farm last time out. Improved second-up last prep - huge chance to take this out if similar progress is shown here. FABRES (8) returns from a five-month spell. Made late ground to finish third over 6 ½f here at the start of the last campaign. May find this a touch short but will be powering home. WAVERLEY ROAD (6) has not been produced since finishing midfield on debut over 5f at Randwick in December 2024. Two trial wins in January suggest he is forward enough to run a big race. Debutant GRAVEL ROAD (4) has trialled twice and won both. By Capitalist from a mare who has thrown two winners from two foals to race. Respect.