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Unruly spot makes it tough but Make Way’s not out of it at Menangle on Saturday night

Top horseman Anthony Butt is hoping Make Way can get some of the money at Menangle on Saturday night even though he has to start from the tricky unruly spot.

Make Way copped a two-start out of draw penalty after he galloped twice in the score-up when resuming at Penrith a week ago. It was the second time on end he had misbehaved behind the arm, galloping briefly before the start of the Chariots Of Fire in February.

Trainer Sonya Smith ticked off one of those by running Make Way in a trial at Menangle on Wednesday, when he was untested to finish fourth, four lengths behind winner Mister Brazil who clocked a blazing 1:52.2 for the mile, running sectionals of 27.5, 29.9, 27.7 and 27.1.

“I didn’t ask him for a lot and he was going comfortably at the finish,” said Butt who got Make Way in to trail fourth on the pegs.

“I was mainly there to get one run ticked off and that was fast enough for him. The run won’t hurt him and might even improve him for Saturday.”

Butt said, while beaten at Penrith, he was pleased with Make Way’s third placing for concession claimer Ashley Hart, given he had to do a lot of work three wide, then parked.

Anthony Butt … “he’s such a great wee racehorse hopefully he can get some money.”Anthony Butt … “he’s such a great wee racehorse hopefully he can get some money.”“She had to do that to have any chance of winning from the back row and I thought he did well to keep fighting to the line as he hadn’t had a lead-up trial.”

Make Way also galloped twice in the score-up, mostly reflecting how fresh he was, Butt said.

“He’s quite an aggressive little fella behind the gate and I think he tucked his tail down and had a wee buck because he was feeling that good.

“But he should be fine now and, while it’s not easy winning from the outside of the gate at Menangle, he’s such a great wee racehorse hopefully he can get some money.

“They’re the second tier Menangle horses (who have won between $11,000 and $20,000 in their last five starts) but it’s still a handy enough field.

“If he’d been against the top class I would have said he was an each way chance so he’s definitely up to beating these.

“But if he can just get some money then get back in the draw next time I’ll be happy.

“Sometimes at Menangle you just have to take your medicine. The racing is so tempo related. If you go back and they walk early, you’re no show. But if they go the first quarter in 26 you can get your chance.”

Make Way races at 8.52pm NZ time at Menangle on Saturday night.Make Way races at 8.52pm NZ time at Menangle on Saturday night.

Our runners this week

Friday night at Auckland

Lincoln Downs, Lincoln’s Spice, Sammy Lincoln (not starting), Johnny Lincoln, Tyson, Sugar Ray Lincoln, Leo Lincoln, Kevin Kline, The Rascal.

Our runners this week: How our trainer rates them

Nathan Delany

Nathan’s comments

Thursday night at Cambridge

Race 1: Im Not The Maid
5.14pm

“She went pretty well last week considering they came a fast last half (56.3) and she sat parked from the 800. She’s back to the amateur grade, and should get a good run from the two draw, so hopefully we can get a bit of cash.”

Race 4: Dreams Of Eric
6.38pm

“She didn’t handle the right-handed bends at Auckland last week (galloping at the 300) so we’ll stick to Cambridge from now on. There’s a bit of gate speed in the race so Harry (Harrison Orange) should be able to sit in somewhere. I think he’s a good chance to run top three.”

Dan Costello Race Photography