Star Galleria has been something of a measuring stick for other northern open class pacers in the last two years, running second in an Auckland Cup and winning the first feature race of the season in 2018.
But now seven and with plenty of miles in the clock, Reid is trying something different.
"Some times I wonder whether his best days are behind him," says Reid.
"So we done something different and given him two quiet workouts the last two weeks, just tucked him in and let him do his thing.
"I think he has enjoyed that and to me he feels like he is flying and he could win this week without surprising me.
"But the new, younger horses come through like Copy That and then you have all Mark's (Purdon) horses down south so you realise how tough it is going to be.
"The New Zealand Cup is still going to be the aim but he will show is whether he can get there."
Reid says one positive about the far earlier return of the top horses to the track this season is it gives their trainers options on the way to the Cup.
"In recent years starting back in September if something went wrong and you missed a lead-up race the Cup campaign could be over.
"But now I think we all have more room to move."
Reid and McMullen will also bring their high-class three-year-olds Mr Fantastic and Shes No Lady back on Thursday night.