Racing: Don't bank on Reactor

Mark Purdon is looking long term with the 6-year-old Auckland Reactor. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Love him or hate him - and there are plenty in both camps - don't back Auckland Reactor in his comeback race at Ashburton tomorrow.

That is not to say the former pacing hero can't win the $15,000 mile race which looks to fit so perfectly into his plans.

But as trainer-driver Mark Purdon is only too aware Auckland Reactor is almost on a hiding to nothing. And so are punters.

The $3.6 million horse has drawn the outside of the seven starters and with his reputation and two easy winning trials under his belt there will be plenty willing to take short odds about him.

Even if Purdon did bet he wouldn't be among them.

Purdon is looking long term with the 6-year-old, thinking more of the Auckland Cup and Interdominions next month which means he would love to use tomorrow's race to teach Auckland Reactor to settle.

"I could go roaring out from barrier seven and probably still lead but if I do that I think his fitness might let him down inside the last 100m," Purdon admitted to the Herald.

"And then he would have a hard run and learn nothing.

"While nothing is guaranteed I'll be trying to get a sit with him and let him run home, which can be a hard way to win a mile.

"I'd love to win but to be honest I don't see how we can beat Monkey King."

Monkey King raced below his best when in need of Jenny Craig at Addington last Saturday but his second-up record is superb and he will strip far fitter tomorrow. He has developed the gate speed to go forward and control the race.

And as a sub 1:51 Miracle Mile winner he deserves warm favouritism tomorrow.

"We know Monkey King can go those times but I think Auckland Reactor would only be ready for a 1:53 mile, maybe a little faster," said Purdon.

The race will be the highlight of a day where fast times should be commonplace.

Exciting filly Miss Elsie is another facing a wide draw in the Nevele R Fillies heat, up against Donegal Delight and Tatijana Bromac so is another punters would be wise to avoid red odds about.

And the Hambletonian looks to be one of the strongest ever editions of the 3-year-old trot, with Paramount Geegee shaping as the best each way chance in a race with at least six winning chances.

Purdon will line up Harness Jewels winner Kylie Ree in the Hambletonian but suggests she is at an improving stage after some slight recent setbacks.

While some of the big names at Ashburton will have to overcome bad draws, champion mare De Lovely faces no such issues at Addington tonight.

From barrier two she looks set to lead throughout in the $80,000 Breeders Stakes, where she could start as short at $1.10.

So impressive was she in downing Monkey King last Saturday she has now been nominated for the Auckland Cup and Interdominions, although she is still unlikely to contest the latter.

Still, she makes tonight's $100,000 Pick6 a Pick5.

HE'S BACK

* Auckland Reactor resumes his New Zealand career at Ashburton tomorrow.

* He faces a tricky draw in the open class mile.

* That suggests Monkey King is a better bet.

* De Lovely looks a certainty in tonight's Breeders Stakes at Addington.