Saints seized control as Makinson touched down either side of a stylish Jonny Lomax try.

Trinity responded after the break, Kyle Wood crossing and Pauli Pauli powering over to make the score 12-16.

But Saints stood firm and more clinical finishing saw them wrap up victory.

Victory took St Helens 10 points clear of second-placed Wigan, but their 22nd victory in 25 league games looked in doubt despite their 16-0 interval lead.

Saints, who lost to Catalans and then Huddersfield in their first two Super 8s games, defended resolutely in a scoreless but breathless beginning before making their superior pace and mobility count.

Makinson dived over in the corner after a brilliant take to set them on their way.

And, after the dancing feet of Lomax saw a second Saints try, Makinson stole possession from Jowitt to score.

Having seen their lead narrowed to four points on the resumption, Theo Fages settled some nerves by crossing for the fourth Saints try after smart work by Zeb Taia.

Trinity once again hit back when Jacob Miller's break teed up Bill Tupou to bulldoze over the line for his 12th try of the campaign.

However, the visitors made certain of victory at the Mobile Rocket Stadium as Luke Douglas and Regan Grace profited from two fine Danny Richardson kicks to complete the scoring.

Wakefield: Jowitt; Jones-Bishop, Lyne, Tupou, Johnstone; Miller, Hampshire; Fifita, Randell, England, Ashurst, Batchelor, Horo.

Replacements: Wood, Pauli, Arona, Huby.

St Helens: Barba; Makinson, Costello, Percival, Grace; Lomax, Richardson; Amor, Roby, Douglas, Knowles, Taia, McCarthy-Scarsbrook.

Replacements: Fages, Wilkin, Lees, Ashworth.