Make Way back and over a nightmare run of ailments - and he’s now a Melburnian
By Barry Lichter • 11 December 2020
Make Way might not be ready to win at Melton on Saturday night but top horseman Anthony Butt is just thankful that he’s finally healthy and back at the races.
A nightmare run of ailments has kept Make Way out of the winner’s circle since January, a foreign scenario with a horse who used to just eat, sleep and win money at the races nearly every time he stepped out.
But this year Make Way has encountered one problem after another, starting with a lingering foot abscess then an inflamed throat then last month an ulcer on his epiglottis.
Butt knew something had to be wrong with the horse in his last start on October 31 when he pulled fiercely then dropped out, almost like he’d choked down.
“We found he had a really bad ulcer on his epiglottis which was cutting off his wind. But it’s been treated and he’s back to normal now.
“Now it’s up to him to step up.”
Make Way resumed from his break at Melton last Saturday night when he enjoyed a soft run in the trail in the Caduceus Classic, finishing fifth after being right in the firing line until 100 metres out.
“I was happy with him. He blew up over the back but we knew he’d need the run. It was a good starting point.
“He’s got the one draw again so hopefully he can trail or, worst case scenario, be three fence, do no work and finish a bit closer.
“I’m sure he’ll go well even though the field is a little harder this time. He’s probably not quite ready to win but he’s not far away and after this week he’ll be spot on.”
Melton has been Make Way’s new home for the last 10 days after Butt and his partner, trainer Sonya Smith, packed up house and moved from Menangle, outside of Sydney.
They have shifted their entire team to Melbourne, and are stabled at Sammy Kilgour’s property, keen to take advantage of better opportunities in the state.
“We were here for two months with a team during the Breeders Crown carnival and had a lot of success. It showed we could find better options for the horses here.”
Butt, now training a team for the big-spending Emilio Rosati, said the owner had been keen on the shift for several months and was hoping to eventually secure his own property.
Make Way races at 10.50pm NZ time at Melton on Saturday night.
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Nathan’s comments
Tuesday twilight at Cambridge
Race 4: Dreams Of Eric
5.55pm
“The race never panned out for him on debut, he got too far back from a second row draw, but we’ve got the gun draw and gun driver (Zachary Butcher) on this time. He can run off the gate a bit so I don’t see why he can’t lead. I’d like to think he’s a chance to get some money. He’s been trialling and working well.”
Ray’s tips
Thursday night at Auckland
Race 1: Kevin Kline
5.41pm
“He missed four or five days work with an abscess in his foot when he came back from Manawatu so he could be a bit short.”
Race 1: Im Not The Maid
5.41pm
“She doesn’t handle the bends so well the Auckland way and is just going round to lose points. She’s been crucified by the handicapping system.”
Race 2: What’s Up The Hill
6.06pm
“He’s not the finished article yet but he’s slowly getting the hang of it. There are nicer horses in the race than the ones he raced against at Manawatu so I’Il be happy if he can just do everything right and run a slot.”
Race 3: Onyx Shard
6.31pm
“She won from a wide draw last time at Manawatu but this is a slightly harder field. She keeps drawing badly and the outside gate might inconvenience her again.”
Race 5: Sugar Ray Lincoln
7.22pm
“He got pushed out down the back last time because he couldn’t keep up. We had big aspirations for him but it looks like he isn’t as good as we thought. Nothing can beat Marketplace.”
Race 6: Debbie Lincoln
7.54pm
“I’m sure she’s up to them when she’s right but she’s had her setbacks recently. First she tied up and then she kicked out at something and bruised a foot. She’s right now but that will render her not 100% fit.”
Race 9: Lincoln La Moose
9.36pm
“He went good races at Palmy but he pulled far too hard here last time. It was a better run than it looks on paper though as he couldn’t get a run at them in the straight. He’s probably on his mark now and will need a bit of luck.”
