Make Way has shown he can follow a hot speed and tough it out. PHOTO: Race Images.
Hard work on Make Way pays off and he’ll take his place in the big New Year’s Eve final
By Barry Lichter • 30 December 2018
Make Way is back in business and will take his place in Monday’s $200,000 Sales Series Final at Auckland.
Trainer Ray Green feared the worst after the colt pulled a shoe and punctured his foot last Wednesday.
But after two days of tubbing and poulticing, Make Way stepped out surprisingly sound on Saturday morning and Green was able to work the horse.
“He just got better and better and the worry’s all over now. He came through the work well and is nice and sound and back to where he should be.’’
Green says Make Way didn’t miss any work and will hopefully get his chance from the inside of the second row in the big three-year-old finale.
Make Way follows out the now $1.20 unbeaten favourite Ultimate Sniper whose driver Natalie Rasmussen will no doubt be keen to stave off the early attention of Heisenberg in two to avoid being pocketed.
The prospect of getting the perfect suck along in the trail has seen make Make Way hold his place as sixth favourite at $35.
With the large stake, Make Way’s 18 owners would pick up nearly $8500 if he can even run fourth which is more than he received for winning his last race in November.
More news in Harness
Unlucky Leo worth a dollar in the cup and La Moose can go close again on Thursday night
Onyx Shard can keep the ball rolling for Ray and Nathan at Manawatu on Tuesday
Ray and Debbie both in the money at the Park with speedy ‘Frisky’ and precocious ‘Angela’
What’s Up with the trotter? - Ray ‘guilty’ of being very optimistic for debut on Friday night
Our runners this week
Friday night at Auckland
Kevin Kline, What’s Up The Hill, Sugar Ray Lincoln, Lincoln Lou, Debbie Lincoln, Colonel Lincoln, Frisco Bay.
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Ray’s comments
Tuesday twilight at Manawatu
Race 5: Leo Lincoln
6.07pm
“He didn’t go very well in his workout right-handed last Thursday but he was good on Saturday when we trained him left-handed. It’s his first race for three months so he could possibly need it but we’re talking Manawatu opposition.”
Race 7: Onyx Shard
7.01pm
“She’s absolutely a winning chance. She showed that last time when she had to do a fair bit to hold the lead. Fergie is driving her this time and we’re pretty confident she’ll go well. She’s such a well-gaited mare.”
Race 8: Lincoln La Moose
7.25pm
“He dominated them last time from the outside of the gate and, even though he can be in and out, he’ll be hard to beat again. That easier opposition makes a difference when there’s nothing good enough to eye-ball you. “
Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Manawatu
Race 5: Leo Lincoln
6.50pm
“He was very unlucky on night one. The gap sort of opened up then closed again and I had to take hold. He was still charging to the line and if the gap had come he would have been right there with the winner. If he can step and lead, then slot into the trail, he should be a winning chance.”
Race 6: Onyx Shard
7.17pm
“Ferg said she wasn’t on the bit the whole way on Tuesday, was too relaxed. We’ll take the block blinds off this time and put half blinds on and see if that helps. She had to do a bit of work in the run on Tuesday but it doesn’t seem to have knocked her around. The outside draw makes it harder.”
Race 7: Lincoln La Moose
7.39pm
“He looks our best chance of the night. He’s definitely a different horse down here and he obviously likes it in front. Ferg didn’t pull the plugs the other night and that tells you something. He’s doing everything right, I can’t fault him.”
