Having undergone a throat operation eight months ago, Make An Effort has struck form and will feature in the $40,000 Lightning Wet Season Series Final (1200m) at 0-70 level at Fannie Bay on Saturday.
Trainer Tom Logan decided to start the seven-year-old mare after she once again led from start to finish en route to a second straight win over 1000m in 0-64 class on Australia Day.
After 44 starts in Victoria for Sale trainer Sharyn Trolove and Pakenham trainer Craig Blackshaw for five wins and 13 minor placings, the daughter of Reward For Effort’ debuted for Logan last April and was seventh over 1100m against 0-58 opposition.
In May, she finished 10th over 1100m at Benchmark 54 level before the decision was made to rectify a breathing ailment.
“Her first two runs up here, she had trouble breathing,” Logan said.
“I had a discussion with the owners and they were happy to get the throat operation done.
“She had six months off and has had three runs this prep – they’ve all been really good runs.”
Before her last-start win, Make An Effort made her comeback on December 30 and finished third over 1000m at 0-58 level before returning a fortnight later to seal the deal over 1000m in a BM54.
The Wet Season Series Final didn’t go ahead last Friday when the final two races were abandoned because of persistent rain and a muddy surface, so Logan decided to enter the mare on Saturday.
Despite proving highly competitive in Victoria, Make An Effort has only raced once beyond 1100m when sixth in a 1217m Moe maiden.
The 1200m is of slight concern for Logan, but the mare is flying.
“Based on her last win, I have no serious worries,” he said.
“She led all the way in those two 1000m wins, but to do it over 1200m will probably be hard in a way.
“She’s got the talent to jump and run – the throat operation she had with Darwin veterinarian Jamin Farebrother has definitely made a difference.
“I knew that she had the ability, but since the procedure she’s a completely different horse.”
Should Make An Effort run well on Saturday, Logan said the mare would more than likely head to the Red Centre for the Alice Springs Cup Carnival, with the Pioneer Sprint on April 6 her main objective.
There are only eight starters in the Wet Season Series Final, but according to Logan it should be an interesting race as every runner brings respectable form to the table.
Logan had the option of entering his mare in the final when she qualified after winning the sixth heat on January 13.
“There’s only eight in it, but anyone can win,” he said.
“They’ve all been competitive of late, so it will be a really good race.
“It will be my biggest win after Poupee’s win in the lead up to the (Pioneer) Sprint last year in Alice Springs.
“There’s always the query about the 1200m, especially after backing up from last week and being a mare in hot weather.
“She probably does have a little bit against her, but she pulled up well from that run last Friday.
“The way she has been racing, I’m quite confident going into Saturday.”
According to Logan, Make An Effort has similar attributes to former stable star Poupee, who was retired after breaking down in last year’s Pioneer Sprint.
“They’re both stocky little mares and they’ve also got the same kind of racing patterns,” he said.
“I was excited when I first got Make An Effort – just the way she races.
“She just jumps on the speed, it’s ideal for a horse up here.
“She won five races in Victoria, which is also good form to bring up here.
“(I’m) just grateful that the owners were patient with her before deciding to get that throat operation done.”
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