Co-trainer Ben Hayes is optimistic about Makram’s chances in the upcoming lucrative autumn races.
The Irish gelding, imported to Australia, secured a surprising victory in Saturday’s Listed Elms Handicap (1400m) at Flemington, triumphing over the highly favoured Jimmysstar.
“He’s been threatening to do it for a long time. He’s been a very interesting horse to train. He’s been so frustrating. He’s gone from putting in fantastic runs to being disappointing, so hopefully, he can put it all together this prep,” shared Hayes, who collaboratively trains Makram with his brothers JD and Will, as he spoke to Racing.com.
Following the Elms Handicap success, Makram is poised to compete in the Group 2 Blamey Stakes (1600m) at Flemington next month.
The ambitious plans also include potential entries in the $4 million All-Star Mile (1600m) and the prestigious Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m).
Makram is marked as a +5000 chance with top horse racing bookies for the Group 1 Australian Cup on March 30.