By Len Baker
HARNESS racer Malcoms Rhythm took out the Swan Hill Cup last Friday, with the horse having excellent runs in strong company recently.
Trained by David Aiken at Avenel, Malcolms Rhythm had Josh Aiken in the sulky, and had a smooth start from gate three on the second row.
Aiken made his move after Major Role vacated the prime spot, going forward three wide on the back of Perfect Stride.
Ahead of him on the last lap, Malcolms Rhythm angled four wide on the home turn, and ran ahead of Major Role by 2.9 meters.
With quarters timed at 30.7, 28.8, 26.7 and 27.5, Malcolms Rhythm returned a mile rate of 1:58.5, which is only 1.2 seconds outside Menin Gate’s 1:57.3 track record, set in 2018.
The Simply Roses Swan Hill Mile saw Kialla-based trainer Kasey Kent’s gelding Allset successful at a rate of 1:53.1.
Swan Hill local and passionate harness racing supporter Noel Watson took home some gold with Cobalt Blues winning the $10,000 Kiel Tiling Pace Final.
But one of the biggest winners of the night was Cardigan-based trainer Emma Stewart, who had five winners.
Captain Rival won the MIXXFM 2YO Maiden Pace, Hughman won the 3SH 3YO Maiden Pace, Faraday Hanover won the 1750 metre Central Murray Live Pace, Ideal Dan won the 3SH Morning Rush Pace and Beyond Delight won the MIXXFM Morning Crew Pace.
The Swan Hill Cup is sponsored by 3SH and is worth $35,000 as a Group 2 race.
Swan Hill harness racing’s next meeting is on November 25.
