Racing: Auckland Reactor has sights on Hunter

The odds have dramatically shortened on Springbank Richard after his win in the opening heat. Photo / Harness Racing Victoria

Champion trainer Mark Purdon is going to resist the temptation to throw Auckland Reactor into the middle of the match race of the season.

But the Kiwi pacing star could still edge his way to favouritism for the A$425,000 ($553,000) Hunter Cup in 12 days with a win at Ballarat this Saturday.

Auckland Reactor hasn't raced since winning the Ashburton Flying Stakes in October but thrilled Purdon with a 1:56 last mile when winning a trial at Shepparton on Thursday.

That initially had Purdon considering a start in this Saturday's A$125,000 Ballarat Cup but he is likely to contest a standing start race the same night as the Ballarat Cup shapes as something special.

Australasia's best pacer Smoken Up will be going for his fifth Grand Circuit win on end in the Cup but will meet Sushi Sushi, who after 16 wins on end steps into open class for the first time.

Add in Kiwis like Gold Ace and Pembrook Benny and the Ballarat Cup may not be the best comeback race for Auckland Reactor.

"I am very happy with him but I am 95 per cent sure to go to the Pure Steel, from the standing start, the same night," said Purdon.

If Auckland Reactor behaves himself from the stand in that race he could start favourite in the Hunter Cup a week later as both Smoken Up and Sushi Sushi will miss that race.

That would give Purdon a shot at a A$675,000 double at Melton on February 4 as I Can Doosit continues to shorten to defend his Interdominion Trotting title.

He jogged a 57.3 second last 800m to win his first-round heat of the series at Shepparton on Saturday night and trotted faultlessly.

"He is spot on and I couldn't be happier. I never even pulled the plugs," said Purdon.

I Can Doosit also showed gate speed that has never been part of his arsenal before to lead easily from a wide draw, a weapon that could be crucial come the final. He wasn't the only Kiwi trotter to shine on the opening night of the last Interdominion Trot series, as Springbank Richard led home a New Zealand trifecta in the opening heat.

The erratic Oamaru trotter produced his best performance in a year to sit parked and bolt clear of leader The Fiery Ginga, with Sovereignty running on late to split the pair.

The other heat was won by Save A Sixpence after I Didn't Do It galloped at the 100m mark when hitting the lead.

New Zealand rep Stylish Monarch ran on well for third while Vulcan was sixth after a dreadful run.

The performances of the Kiwis suggest all six will make the A$250,000 final on Saturday week.

But it is hard to go past I Can Doosit, who is now the $2.05 favourite in Australia.

Springbank Richard was the big mover in the final's market, though, coming in from $16 to $6.50.

Later in the night former New Zealand pacer Jaccka Clive won the Shepparton Cup, with Choise Achiever third and Highview Tommy eighth.

And there was a change at the top of the Interdominion Pacing markets as well after Friday night's A$250,000 Fremantle Cup in Perth.

Local hero I'm Themightyquinn blew his rivals away after sitting near last, scorching to the lead at the 500m and racing clear, with Raglan coming from last to finish second.

The win saw I'm Themightyquinn shorten to $3.20 to win the Interdom in Australia, with Smoken Up out to $3.60.

Mr Feelgood, who carried a punctured tyre, has been the wildest drifter, out to $12 after two Perth failures in a week.