MAX DELIGHT Photo by Ashlea Brennan
TASMANIANS will be keen to claim Max Delight as one of their own, or at the very least acknowledge his local connection, on Sunday night.
Although prepared in Victoria, the David Aiken-trained youngster is owned on the Apple Isle by Michael Maxfield, who purchased the son of Bettors Delight at the Australian Pacing Gold Sale.
As such, Max Delight is heading across Bass Strait to tackle the state’s Derby in Hobart.
The Blue Riband is part of a sensational card which includes the Pacing Cup, Trotters’ Cup and Oaks.
“Michael wanted him to come down to try and win the local Derby,” Aiken said. “He will head over on the boat this arvo and get there in the morning.
“With Menangle on Friday night this week Todd McCarthy will make the trip down to drive him.”
McCarthy combined with Max Delight to capture the New South Wales Derby at Tabcorp Park Menangle a fortnight ago.
While he was among the outsiders in the Group One, Max Delight is a short-priced favourite this time around after drawing to lead throughout from barrier two.
“He came through his Sydney runs in great shape,” Aiken said. “I gave him a couple of light days after that and he has been working up nicely since.
“He’s drawn well and will be pretty hard to beat.”
To be given another short break following this weekend’s assignment, the colt is poised to return to the scene of his Group One triumph later in the season.
“He will have a little freshen up after the Derby,” Aiken said. “He is New South Wales-bred so the Breeders’ Challenge in June will be his next main target.
“I’ll see what I can find in between as a lead-up to that series.”
