Pacing hero Auckland Reactor has handled the first new challenge of his Interdominion campaign with ease.
The champion was untroubled by his first flight, from Auckland to Melbourne, and was expected to arrive in Brisbane overnight in perfect shape.
Trainer Mark Purdon confirmed that last week's Auckland Cup winner couldn'thave been more relaxed during the transtasman trip.
"I know I shouldn't be surprised but he handled it perfectly," said Purdon.
"You don't often see a horse getting on a plane for the first time that relaxed."
Auckland Reactor, who bolted away with Friday night's $600,000 Auckland Cup at Alexandra Park, flew to Melbourne on Sunday night.
He then transferred to the Victorian stables of Craig Turnbull where he was jogged yesterday morning.
The stallion was set to fly to Brisbane at midnight last night and was expected to be stabled at the Parklands Raceway on the Gold Coast by this morning.
"He is spot-on and we couldn't be happier at this stage," said Purdon.
But he might be even happier today if Auckland Reactor can draw well when the first round fields for the Interdominions are released.
Auckland Reactor carries three bonus points into the series, so if he can win his first heat he is as good as guaranteed a spot in the A$1 million ($1.27 million) final on March 28.
Not that Purdon is worried he might miss the final, but a good draw this week could make for an easier path to the top of the points table as well as maintaining Auckland Reactor's aura of invincibility.
But if he draws poorly and is beaten over the mile, his series becomes a lot harder.
His only serious challenger on Saturday would appear to be Kiwi arch-rival Changeover, with the two great stallions drawn to meet in the last heat of the night.
Changeover and Awesome Armbro were on the plane with Auckland Reactor on Sunday, while that trio were to be joined for the flight to Brisbane by Zenad.
New Zealand's other Interdom hopes are already in Queensland, with Mr Feelgood and Report For Duty at Parklands, while Gotta Go Cullen is staying with training great Vic Frost.
Both Gotta Go Cullen and Report For Duty finished midfield behind Blacks A Fake in a lead-up race at Parklands last Friday and good draws will be crucial to their series chances.
