Auckland Reactor goes into his Alexandra Park comeback tonight underdone but could be good enough to get away with it.
The enigmatic superstar heads a hot field in the $50,000 NZ Herald Free-For-All, up against Stunin Cullen, Monkey King, Themightyquinn and emerging talent Gomeo Romeo.
Trainer-driver Mark Purdon admits Auckland Reactor has
missed a crucial workout in Canterbury last weekend because of earthquake-related damage and knows he will be vulnerable tonight.
But problems encountered by his key rivals, coupled with bad barrier draws, could still see Auckland Reactor remain unbeaten at Alexandra Park.
"I would have liked him to have a workout last weekend but that couldn't happen so he will go into this race just below his peak," Purdon said.
"But he is probably as good now, if not a little better, than when he won fresh-up at Ashburton, so I think we can get away with it."
Auckland Reactor could be helped by the fact Monkey King is still fat and short of peak fitness according to trainer Brendon Hill, while Stunin Cullen has drawn one on the second line, so might need the right tempo in the race.
Australian reinsman Gary Hall says that also applies to Themightyquinn. The Perth pacer has been dynamic this summer and produced the run of the race in the Hunter Cup last start but Hall says he won't be in that form tonight.
"He had a slightly rough trip over, so I have looked after him since then," said Hall. "That and him being drawn wide means I will look to get cover and hope they go hard.
That could leave Gomeo Romeo as the greatest danger to Auckland Reactor, a sentence most punters thought they would never read.
The 4-year-old has been the biggest improver in New Zealand pacing this season and downed Pembrook Benny last start. While Auckland Reactor is better than Pembrook Benny, Gomeo Romeo could employ the same tactics from the ace tonight and will be worth saving on if you are having a decent swipe at Auckland Reactor, especially as the TAB opened him at $21.
Stunin Cullen's chances are harder to assess. Clearly he is flying at present and, with a sit close to the speed, he is extremely potent.
With no horses outside him on the second line he should be away from the markers early and then the tempo of the race could dictate his chances.
The big guns in tonight's race will be joined by Blacks A Fake, Mr Feelgood, Washakie and possibly De Lovely in next Friday's $400,000 Auckland Cup, for which the barrier draw will be held at an Alexandra Park function on Sunday afternoon.APN News & Media