Track record holder Big Red Machine showed positive signs that he is returning to full health during weekend harness racing at Vesey Street.By his own lofty standards, Colin Mello’s seven-year-old stud had made a rather lethargic start to the new season after coming down with a cold.But on Sunday Big Red Machine’s fortunes took a turn for the better as he posted the day’s fastest time in the Free for All with Phillip Correia holding the reins in Mello’s absence.His time of 1:04/1 was also the fastest he has run at Vesey Street so far this season.Correia’s night got off to an inauspicious start after Big Red Machine finished dead last in the opening Free for All Heat.“I made a bad decision at the start which cost me the race, but the pony was definitely very strong that night,” Correia said. “That pony was definitely on par by all means, I justmade a bad decision as a driver.”But there would be no denying Correia and Big Red Machine glory in the second Free for All Heat, which saw them cross the line one fifth of a second ahead of Captain Progress driven by Jason Lopes.“Colin and I are good friends and he was actually abroad for the weekend so I was privileged enough to get a fast drive and the pony is definitely one of a kind,” Correia said.With better luck Correia reckons he could’ve won both Free for All Heats on Big Red Machine who is the half-brother of his six-year-old colt Cherokee Superman.“I was driving the record holder and now I feel bad for myself because I will be racing against him every weekend knowing how fast he can go,” he added.Big Red Machine set a new track record (1:02/2) last season with another driver at the helm American Daryl Miller.“I guess the pony doesn’t like me,” Mello smiled.Mello is relieved to see his stud finally coming back into his own and reckoned the best is yet to come this season.“He got over his sickness and hopefully now he is back on track,” he said. “He should be well on the road to recovery now.”Others impressing at the weekend were double heat winners Cameron Harris (Track Patrol), Darico Clarke (Time After Time), Jason Peniston (Night Dreamer) and seasoned campaigner Arthur Hurst (Colonel’s J).Harness racing continues at Vesey Street this Sunday where Driving Horse and Pony Club have planned a host of fun-filled Halloween activities.Racing begins at 12 noon.For more pictures click here.