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
Thoughts for Lincoln Farms’ groupie Margaret Rabbitt after Johnny Lincoln braves it out
Lincoln Wave super and Sammy Lincoln super unlucky - two three-year-olds worth following
Long wait over to see why Lincoln Wave and Sammy Lincoln are fancied by Lincoln Farms
Second row draws against Prince Lincoln and Spiritual Bliss but they’re still favourites
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 2: Sammy Lincoln
5.48pm
“Sammy Lincoln has a bit more speed than Lincoln Wave - he’s very fast for a big, rangy horse - but he might be vulnerable on Friday - he could experience difficulty on the corners going right-handed. He won’t be a maiden for long.”
Race 2: Lincoln Wave
5.48pm
“I’d say he’d be the more reliable of our two. He was clearly our best two-year-old before he got injured and we’ve waited a long time for him. He’s a powerful colt and should have a bright future.”
Race 5: Johnny Lincoln
7.13pm
“The seven draw is a bit awkward but he’s trained on really well since Cambridge and I’m picking he’ll go really well.”
Race 8: Tyson
8.38pm
“He had a week off after his last run at Auckland, but I don’t think he’ll be short of a run. He’ll come back into the fray as tough as ever.”
Race 8: Spiritual Bliss
8.38pm
“She was incredibly unlucky at Cambridge. The gap opened up for Harrison, he tried to push through, then it closed on him. If she led, she’d be the one to beat. She’s a nice mare and she’s pretty tough, she doesn’t give it up.”
Ray’s comments
Monday at Taupo
Race 2: Lincoln Maree
11.55am
“She’s been held up from awkward draws lately but gets the inside on Monday. She has limited ability but is racing really well and there are no superstars in the field. I think she’ll be fine on the grass as she’s good-gaited and wears no boots. She tries very hard and looks to have a decent show.”
Race 7: Lincoln Lover
2.17pm
“He’s the consummate tradesman, reliable and honest and deserves a win. He was only beaten by the passing lane runner last time after sitting parked for the last lap. He’s drawn to lead here and if he does that he’ll be hard to beat.”
