Aikens cause an upset in Inter Dominion heat

Trainer David Aiken is no stranger to campaigning a horse for the Inter Dominion.

After all, he won the 2015 edition with Lennytheshark.

However, the experienced horseman caused the upset of the night in the pacing Inter Dominion heats at Menangle tonight when Malcolms Rhythm nabbed the favourite Spirit Of St Louis in the shadows of the post at starting odds of $10.

The narrow margin of a short half-head even had the winning driver Josh Aiken unsure if he had won the race.

“That was really close, I didn’t know if I had won it or not,” said Josh.

“The race worked out perfectly, he loves the trip and if he can get into the Grand Final he will love the 3009m.”

After starting out of barrier four, Josh Aiken worked to the front with Malcolms Rhythm before handing up to the public elect.

The lead time was 58.1 and with the first quarter in 30.1, the tempo stepped up with the last three quarters in 29.5, 27.6 and 26.3 seconds.

As the leader drifted up the track in the home straight, Malcolms Rhythm gained a run along the pegs to claim the $30,000 qualifier in a mile rate of 1:55.1.

Malcolms Rhythm, a five-year-old entire by Art Major, registered his 14th win.

The Aiken team also had Max Delight race in the second Inter Dominion heat and was a courageous fourth.

“These horses are in the mix,” said David Aiken.

“Malcolms Rhythm’s win is really special, he is owned by Domenic Martello and has had a rough week so he deserves this.

“I’ve been lucky with the horses I’ve had in the past.

“Lenny was a once in a lifetime horse . . . he just had the X factor.”

Click here to see the Menangle results.

By Amanda Rando for Harnesslink