Racing: Auckland Reactor trial not outstanding

Auckland Reactor. Photo / Brett Phibbs

One-time glamour pacer Auckland Reactor got a pass mark on his return to the trials yesterday - but only just.

The former Auckland Cup winner had his first public outing in six months in a 2600m standing start trial at Motukarara and finished a close second to Terror To Love after starting off the 40m backmark.

But trainer Mark Purdon was more concerned with how Auckland Reactor handled the standing start, an area which has troubled him so much in his career.

"He wasn't too bad," said Purdon, without sounding totally convinced.

"He missed away for about 20m and then came down and found his hopples.

"It wasn't great because he was back on the 40m mark and had plenty of room to move but it wasn't like he totally lost it either."

Purdon was pleased with Auckland Reactor's performance after his early gallop as he pushed Terror To Love, who has been trialling well, to a neck.

"I think he paced his last 2400m in about 3:04, which is good enough first time off the property this campaign."

Auckland Reactor will have another standing start trial on Saturday week before he put punters hearts in their mouths on race night at Addington a week later.

Auckland Reactor is being tried from a stand with a view to the New Zealand Cup on November 8 and several key northern contenders for that race had their first workouts of the season at Pukekohe on Tuesday.

Pembrook Benny indicated he has come back well as a 7-year-old when he beat Taylor Mile winner Gomeo Romeo over the 2600m, with a 27.3-second last 400m.

They could both resume racing at Alexandra Park in the Spring Cup tomorrow week.