Racing: Herlihy to drive Auckland Reactor

Champion driver Tony Herlihy will relinquish the training of Gotta Go Cullen to drive Auckland Reactor in the A$1 million Interdominion Final.

Herlihy was left with little option when Gotta Go Cullen surprisingly qualified for the final with a fighting third to arch-rival Changeover in the final heat of the series on Saturday.

Because Herlihy trains Gotta Go Cullen he would have had to drive him instead of Interdominion Final favourite Auckland Reactor, whom he reined to a stunning victory earlier in the night.

But a stable change will be lodged this morning, transferring Gotta Go Cullen to Queensland trainer Vic Frost, allowing Herlihy to stick with Auckland Reactor.

Herlihy's move is both gutsy and a huge statement about the class of Auckland Reactor.

After all, Herlihy may not only lose Gotta Go Cullen for the remainder of his career but he also loses the 10 per cent trainer's percentage of whatever the stallion earns in the final, whereas he can win only five per cent of what Auckland Reactor win as driver's percentages are less.

And if trainer Mark Purdon wins his appeal against a six-week suspension this week, he could get back on Auckland Reactor and Herlihy could be left with no drive.

While sad to have to walk away from Gotta Go Cullen, Herlihy said he felt comfortable with the decision.

"He has been a wonderful horse to me but we are unsure what his future is going to be after this race," said Herlihy.

"It would be different if he had been at my place for the last three months and I brought him across for the series, but Vic [Frost] has been looking after the horse and doing most of the training for the last month anyway.

"And I'd be thrilled for Ian [Dobson, owner] if he can win the race because he is a great old horse."

Herlihy's decision was made a lot easier by a breathtaking performance from Auckland Reactor in Saturday night's second heat.

The wonder pacer crushed some of Australia's best with a machine-like display, with Herlihy's drive a thing of beauty.

He squeezed Auckland Reactor through a tiny gap early before launching into leader Iron Hudge after 600m.

Iron Hudge's driver Mark Rolfe wanted to stay in front but horses like Auckland Reactor and drivers like Herlihy tend to get what they want.

So after bullying their way to the front they rolled along at a searing tempo - one early 800m section in a painful 56 seconds - that had most of their opponents shattered at the 600m mark.

It was a scary reminder of how good both horse and driver are and saw Auckland Reactor tighten to as short as $1.70 before today's barrier draw.

With the Gold Coast track being so leader biased the draw will be crucially important, but Auckland Reactor looks the one horse in the series who could draw poorly and still win.

Especially as trainer Purdon says there is improvement in the champ.

With Auckland Reactor having been tired upon his arrival in Australia, Purdon has barely fast worked him since. "I didn't want to push him over the edge so I was easy on him this week but I think I can give him his normal preparation for the final.

"So he should be better next week."