Menangle trial confirms Make Way has come up a treat for Ants and Sonya
By Barry Lichter • 9 October 2019
Make Way trialled so well at Menangle yesterday, he’ll go straight to the races on Tuesday for the start of what trainers Sonya Smith and Anthony Butt believe will be a big season.
The original plan was for Make Way to trial twice before opening his four-year-old campaign but the colt performed in “super” style over a mile.
Anthony Butt … now training a big team for leading Australian owner Emilio Rosati.Driven quietly by concession junior Ryan Sanderson, Make Way settled four deep on the markers in a nine-horse field and was not eased out into the running line until well into the home stretch.
Sanderson kept Make Way behind eventual winner Masons Delight all the way down the straight, and never pulled out, finishing hard on his back.
The winner clocked 1:54 flat, closing in 55.2 and 27.1.
“I can’t believe how well he’s come back,” says Butt. “He’s done great with the break - he’s filled out in his arse end and his coat is like silk. He’s really spot on, I couldn’t be happier with him, and it looks like it’s all systems go for a big year.
“There’s a good race for him here next Tuesday and they go that fast at the trials we may as well race for money.”
Make Way, who last raced in Queensland on July 20, starts his new campaign on a national rating of 68 after a terrific three-year-old season with Smith and Butt when he won six races.
The season was also a big one for Butt who in August drove two Breeders Crown winners, Ultimate Stride and Liberty Stride, for leading owner Emilio Rosati.
Last week Rosati appointed Butt as his No.1 trainer in New South Wales, after his private trainer Noel Daley returned to the United States, swelling his barn by 20 well bred horses, with another 10 waiting in the wings.
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Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 1: Lincoln Linda
5.55pm
“She needed the run last week. Even though she galloped in the score-up, her manners are definitely improving as she didn’t pull in the running. She’ll be sharper this week so hopefully she’ll pace away and get the job done. It looks a pretty even field.”
Race 4: Lincoln Lover
7.18pm
“He only battled away last start and Fergie said he wasn’t really on the bit at the back of the field. He’s been racing for a while and might be a bit fatigued. The outside draw doesn’t help either and Soul Artist was very impressive winning last time.”
Race 6: Lincoln Maree
8.22pm
“She hasn’t got a lot of speed but she tries hard so the best spot for her might be in front, rolling along. That said, her closing sectionals (57.8, 27.9) were the best in the race last time. We couldn’t get one of the Sharpe boys so we’ve had to settle for Frank Phelan. She’s an each-way chance with Andy (Sharpe) the one to beat on Commander Lincoln.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 2: Leo Lincoln
5.21pm
“We’ve thrown him in the deep end, but it was either that or trial. He’s been going OK but he’ll need the run for sure.”
Race 2: Spiritual Bliss
5.21pm
“She won’t be completely out of it, she’s better than people think. The inside second row draw isn’t ideal, and luck will obviously play a part, but I think she’ll be competitive.”
Race 3: Rivergirl Bella
5.57pm
“She was always going to need the run last time as it was her first for a long time. She’ll improve off that. She’s plenty fast enough but needs to get fitter.”
Race 3: Sammy Lincoln
5.57pm
“We found he had a bit of a virus after he last raced so had to ease up on him. He’ll be a little short (on fitness) but his class should carry him through. He is vulnerable with his behaviour at the moment but he’s only got to get round without any silliness and I can’t see how they can beat him.”
Race 4: Johnny Lincoln
6.24pm
“He’s racing super and they’ll know he’s there. He’s trained on well since his Metro Final win. He races tough and at Auckland they have to be tough now.”
