SURPRISING as it seems, evergreen veteran Max Delight will attempt to break a long drought from Club Menangle's winners' circle on Saturday night.
In the middle of another fruitful season, Max Delight has raced at the highest level in New South Wales, Western Australia and Queensland, for earnings of $583,448.
Triumphant in the $1million The Nullarbor at Gloucester Park on April 17, the 10-year-old also contested last month's Inter Dominion Final at Albion Park.
Trainer David Aiken is already planning Max Delight's next trip, with the Victoria Cup in Melton on October 17 circled on his calendar.
"He's just an old marvel...we love him," Aiken said. "He just keeps on giving his best.
"Here he is as a 10-year-old winning a Group One, making an Inter Dominion Final and picking up over half a million in prizemoney.
"As long as he keeps going as well as he is, we'll look at heading down for the Victoria Cup in a couple of months."
Despite his continued success, Max Delight is still searching for his first win at Club Menangle this season!
The son of Bettors Delight hasn't scored at the world class venue since winning in a career-best 1:48.8 last August.
"When you put it like that it sounds like a long time since he's won there," Aiken said. "To be fair, he's only had three starts at Menangle this year.
"Hopefully that will change on Saturday night."
To be driven by Amanda Turnbull, Max Delight has drawn barrier 10 in the Alf Phillis Free-For-All over 2300 metres.
In what will be his first start since the Inter Dominion Final on July 18, Max Delight is a $2.10 TAB Fixed Odds favourite.
"He enjoyed his freshen up and is ready to go," Aiken said. "He's come through the series really well, in fact so well, I was planning to keep him out longer, but he was going nuts in the paddock.
"This looks a suitable race, and although the draw is a bit of a pain, the 2300 helps him a bit as he can make a move midrace."
Winner of his last four starts, promising pacer Sao Paulo Simba is considered the main danger at $3.70.
Trained and driven by Michael Stanley, Sao Paulo Simba has drawn gate seven.
The son of American Ideal has been kept fresh since scoring under similar conditions on July 18 when he rated 1:54.5 over 2300 metres.
Elsewhere on the card, Aiken has Dessie Gee ready to continue his impressive campaign after drawing the pole over 1609 metres.
A Menangle winner on July 18, Dessie Gee was then runner-up the following week.
"Dessie has been racing well and I expect another good run from him," Aiken said. "He's got a handy draw and hopefully can make the most of it."
Stablemates Pesco Pollo, Southern Diamond and Speedy Lover will then clash in a 2300-metre handicap.
Pesco Pollo and Southern Diamond will begin from the 10-metre line, with Speedy Lover the sole 20-metre backmarker.
"I'm happy with the three trotters," Aiken said. "They should go well...all five will be competitive on the night."
