Classy harness racing driver Josh Aiken had every reason to breathe a sigh of relief when he guided Malcolms Rhythm to an impressive win in last Friday nightās 3SH Swan Hill Pacing Cup.
By his own admission after the $35,000 Group Three feature race, Aiken quipped the āhorse deserved a good driveā, noting that things hadnāt been going quite to plan for the pair in recent weeks.
![Josh bounces back in the best possible way 1](https://harnesslink.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_4717.jpg)
The Aiken/Malcolmās Rhythm combination appeared to be in the box-seat a long way out in the Swan Hill feature. Aiken landed one out and three back at the start and āsmoked his pipeā until down the back straight for the last time.
When he hit the go button with 400 metres to go, Malcolms Rhythm responded magnificently and despite being three and four wide, quickly got to the leading brigade to score running away in 1.58-5.
āI was always travelling well, but the early part of the race was surprisingly run at a slow tempo,ā Aiken said.
āHe always felt terrific and it was great to get the win for owner Domenic Martello, who is an avid supporter of the sport.ā
The father-and-son combination of David and Josh Aiken are regulars at the Swan Hill Pacing Cup, due to family connections in the area.
āWe try and get up here each year,ā trainer David Aiken said.
āItās about a three-hour drive for us, but Iāve got a brother living up here so itās great to catch up. Itās a pity they couldnāt be here tonight, but it was good to be here. Theyāre a great club and do a great job.
āOver the years weāve travelled up with some top horses including Hector Jay Jay, which we won the cup with in 2016.ā
![Josh bounces back in the best possible way 2](https://harnesslink.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_4716.jpg)
The Swan Hill cup, run over 2790 metres, is the longest race of the season programmed in Victoria.
Malcolms Rythm (Art Major-Shes Got It All (McArdle) won by three metres from Major Roll (David Moran) with Silent Major (Aaron Dunn), who tried to lead all the way, a further two metres back in third spot.
Champion Ballarat-based trainer Emma Stewart landed five winners as she continues a ding-dong battle with Bendigoās Julie Douglas for season premiership honors.
Captain Rival (Captaintreacherous-Delight In Decree (Bettors Delight) started the ball rolling in the 2YO Pace with Hughman (Sweet Lou-Doyourselfafavour (Dream Away) being successful in the very next race, the 3YO Pace. David Moran was the successful driver on both occasions.
Young driver Connor Clarke was able to lead all-the-way for Stewart with Farady Hanover (Somebeachsomewhere-Fashion Ecstasy). The filly scored narrowly in a quick 1.54-3.
Ideal Dan (American Ideal-Jodila (Jeremes Jet) provided the Stewart/Kate Gath combo with further success, while Beyond Delight (Bettors Delight-Whatahottie (Christian Cullen) wrapped up a memorable night for the stable. Greg Sugars was the winning driver.
By Terry Gange for Harnesslink