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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Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 2: Lincoln La Moose
6.23pm
“I wasn’t expecting him to race so tough on debut. He seems to be one of those horses who puts their best foot forward when the money is up. Right-handed shouldn’t bother him and he’d have to be in it again from the good draw.”
Race 6: Leo Lincoln
8.14pm
“From the inside draw he should get another perfect trip and he’ll go well again, even though there are higher rated horses in the field.”
Race 8: Debbie Lincoln
9.05pm
“She has a lot of ability but the first time she’s got round without galloping was at the trials last week. If she can do that again I’ll be happy. She’s a little bit nervy but we seem to be getting on top of that.”
Mark Dux’s comments
Saturday night at Albion Park
Race 2: Captain Nemo
7.54pm NZ time
“It’s a strong, even field and we can’t make too much happen from that second row alley. We’ll need something to go our way in the running. It’s very hard to predict how things will pan out but he’ll run a race.”
