Aiken taking aim at $1million Carnival of Cups Bonus

With just six weeks remaining until the first of five TAB Carnival Of Cups events for the current season, which will be hosted by the Parkes Harness Racing Club on September 20, leading trainer David Aiken has indicated he is keen to head to the central west town with two of his open-class pacers.

Aiken, who was a great supporter of last season’s new Carnival of Cups concept, will be aiming Max Delight (Bettor’s Delight) and Malcolms Rhythm (Art Major) at the $60,000 “The Dish” and the potential $1million Carnival of Cups bonus.

“All going well in the next few weeks, both horses will be heading on a Carnival Of Cups path beginning with next month’s fixture at Parkes,” said Aiken.

“When you go back through their careers, both Max and Malcolm have been outstanding horses and even though they are getting a bit long in the tooth, I believe they can more than hold their own in a series like this.”

Malcolms Rhythm was last seen on July 20 when finishing fifth in open class at Menangle and will contest the opening race at headquarters this Saturday night.

Million-dollar earner Max Delight has been racing in a purple patch of form, scoring at his past two Menangle outings when driven by Amanda Turnbull.

“I personally think Max is racing as well as he ever has, and the Cups circuit will suit him down to the ground as he relishes that style of racing on the smaller tracks,” said Aiken.

“And Malcolms Rhythm was the Country Cups Horse Of The Year in Victoria a few years ago, so I am confident that both of them will acquit themselves well.”

The potential inclusion of the two former Inter Dominion heat winners from the Aiken stable heading to Parkes, the night is shaping as one of the best seen in the Western Districts with the $60,000 The Dish the richest race ever held at Parkes.

Racegoers and music fans alike are in for a memorable night of entertainment, with the Cup and supporting program certain to attract quality fields while some of Australia’s biggest names in the music industry including The Living End and Shannon Noll will rock the Parkes Showground to its foundations.

Entry is free – register your ticket here.

To find out more on the Carnival of Cups Bonus click here.

by Michael Dumesny, for HRNSW