Josh bounces back in the best possible way

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 night’s 3SH Swan Hill Pacing Cup.

By his own admission after the $35,000 Group Three feature race, Aiken quipped the “horse deserved a good drive”, noting that things hadn’t been going quite to plan for the pair in recent weeks.

The Aiken/Malcolm’s 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 “smoked his pipe” 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.

“I was always travelling well, but the early part of the race was surprisingly run at a slow tempo,” Aiken said.

“He always felt terrific and it was great to get the win for owner Domenic Martello, who is an avid supporter of the sport.”

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.

“We try and get up here each year,” trainer David Aiken said.

“It’s about a three-hour drive for us, but I’ve got a brother living up here so it’s great to catch up. It’s a pity they couldn’t be here tonight, but it was good to be here. They’re a great club and do a great job.

“Over the years we’ve travelled up with some top horses including Hector Jay Jay, which we won the cup with in 2016.”

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 Bendigo’s 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