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Fresh from training an interstate treble Miracle Mile-winning harness racing horseman David Aiken is on the search for more of New South Wales’ riches.
The Victorian-based trainer has earmarked a possible tilt at the revamped Carnival of Cups series with Grand Circuit pacer and recent winner Max Delight (Bettor’s Delight).
With a $300,000 bonus on offer plus six ‘Cup’ races worth $60,000 each, the open-class series is enticing.
“It’s a great concept,” said Aiken.
“Young and Albury suit us the most and we will consider what other Cups we can make.”
Max Delight is nominated for the upcoming Inter Dominion in Brisbane, however, currently is not ranked high enough to gain a start at this stage.
The seven-year-old has competed in the last two Inter Dominion Championships.
Max Delight finished fourth in the 2021 Grand Final to Boncel Benjamin when the Inter Dominion was held in NSW and boasts a strong record in the state.
In his 31 NSW starts, Max Delight has collected eight wins and 11 placings.
Amongst Max Delight’s NSW success includes the NSW Derby and placings in the Chariots Of Fire, Riverina Championship, Inter Dominion heats, Newcastle Mile and a monstrous third in Wagga Cup when they ran a track record of 1:49.7.
Max Delight was one of three winners prepared by Aiken at Riverina Paceway last Friday night, with Lennys Angel and Son Of The Shark also successful.
The revamped Carnival of Cups series starts at Cowra on November 12 then Young on December 1, Tamworth on January 26, Albury on February 16 and Goulburn on April 28.
Each meeting will host a ‘Cup’ over the long distance, worth $60,000 for horses with a NR up to 120.
There is a bonus attached for horses that win all or part of these features including a $300,000 bonus if a horse wins all five Cups; a $200,000 bonus if a horse wins four Cups or a $100,000 bonus if a horse wins three Cups.
For more information on the race series, click here.
by Amanda Rando, for Harness Racing New South Wales
