Max Delight whips his younger rivals

Evergreen pacer Max Delight (Bettors Delight) made light of his nine years when he gave his younger harness racing rivals a lesson In taking out the TAB We’re on Free For All at Menangle Park last night.

Confidently supported into favourite Max Delight was wide early but driver Will Rixon continued to drive forward and he eventually found his way to the front. Brad Hewitt following on Captains Knock followed up Max Delight but then settled outside the leader.

The New Zealand visitor Sooner The Bettor did some work but then secured a trail as did Im The Falcon.

MAX DELIGHT REPLAY

Max Delight and Captains Knock drew clear of the field. Even though Captains Knock had a harder run it looked likely that he would run down Max Delight. But the gelding under vigorous driving from Rixon responded and at the finish he had one and half metres to spare over Captains Knock with rank outsider Ardens Ace grabbing third place just in front of Im the Falcon.

In winning Max Delight ran a sizzling 1.48.6 showing that the David Aiken trained gelding can still hold his own amongst the best there is to offer. He seems to also relish the fast Menangle Park circuit and his close third in the recent Inter Dominion final shows that he’ll be competitive in anything he competes and that includes the forthcoming Miracle Mile in three weeks time.

It was a welcome return to form for Captains Knock who hasn’t enjoyed a great deal of luck lately and he’s sure to be competitive in the Miracle Mile qualifiers in a fortnight’s time. That also goes for Max Delight and it will be a brilliant training feat for David Aiken if he can get him in the final Miracle Mile field.

Sooner The Bettor weakened to finish last and a subsequent veterinary inspection revealed a condition and he will be stood down pending a vet certificate.

For complete race results, click here.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink