Trainer and jockey quotes after Makram claims the Listed The Elms Handicap at Flemington on Saturday.
Race Result:
1st: Makram (H Coffey/B, W & JD Hayes) - $151
2nd: Jimmysstar (C Williams/C Maher) - $1.26F
3rd: Savannah Cloud (T Stockdale/P Stokes) - $26
Winning Time: 1:22.31 Last 600m: N/A
Margins: ½L x ½L
Makram pulls off an incredible run in The Elms to win at triple figures @lindsayparkrace @HTCoffey pic.twitter.com/qkF7YcV9or
— Racing.com (@Racing) February 17, 2024
Winning Trainer: Ben, Will & JD Hayes - Ben speaking
"Incredible. He's a horse (that) last prep he had to have surgery on both of his fetlocks, he got a couple of screws in and just didn't have the confidence.
"I didn't think we could win. He ran a really good race and hit the line over a trip too short but horses can surprise you and that is what he did today.
"The blinkers really helped and he really finished off strong. It is a big thrill to the whole team. He's been a horse that has been frustrating but go back through his early form he has raced at the top level and been competitive.
"He's shown us he's back and ready to go.
"I think sometimes with horses, and horses like him, he has a careful nature and looking after himself.
"He's got that confidence now after the surgery and we saw that today.
Is he a stayer: "He just won over 1400-metres in a stakes race and I think he gets better when he gets out over a trip. He beat Jimmystar who's in the All-Star Mile.
"Might have to get an All-Star Mile ticket!
"We've got a question mark that maybe 2000-metres is his optimum trip. A lot of his form at Flemington is over 1700-metres. He loves this track but we'll wait to see how he pulls up after this but we would love an All-Star Mile spot."
Winning Jockey: Harry Coffey
"At about the 600 (metre mark) he really grabbed the bridle and was wanting to cart me into the race.
"I was being mindful that he was first-up and I didn't want to present him too early. The way it turned out after me thinking I'd missed the boat because I got myself into a little bit of a spot but to his credit he overcame that and once I got out he had a ripping turn-of-foot and he might have put a little bit of a shudder up the All-Star Mile show after beating Jimmystar like that.
"He's a good horse but he's been out of form with injuries but it looks like on today's performance he might be back.
Differing instructions: "I had differing instructions from JD and Ben so I had to try and get it in the middle. JD said 'keep him in the middle and out of trouble, he's pretty ready to go', and Ben said 'I just want him finishing off the race'.
"For a horse that may want further and first-up, you just want them finishing off the race."
