Auckland Reactor bounced back to winning form with a ruthless front running victory to win his Inter
Dominion Pacing Qualifying Heat in Queensland last night.
With the midweek six-week driving suspension handed out to Auckland Reactor's trainer-driver Mark Purdon, following the opening round of heats last Saturday night, Purdon's brother-in-law
Tony Herlihy handled the champion for the first time.
Herlihy made his intentions obvious from the start punching Auckland Reactor through the field to secure the "1-1" sit before sprinting forward quickly to wrestle the lead off Iron Hudge.
Auckland Reactor maintained a solid pace and unleashed a blistering 27.9 second sprint from the 800m to the 400m to win easily from Washakie and I Am Sam (third).
It was a victory that confirmed what many thought before the start of the series - Auckland Reactor is a high-class speed athlete - and will be in peak form for next Saturday night's $1 million final.
However, if Purdon is unsuccessful with his appeal against his suspension handed down by Queensland stewards he may have to find another driver in the Inter Dominion Final.
Herlihy is also the trainer-driver of leading free-for-all pacer Gotta Go Cullen, who was due to race, in the final round of qualifying heats.
Changeover confirmed his fitness for next Saturday night's grand final with an effortless victory in the final qualifying heat last night.
Regular driver David Butcher handled the 5-year-old superbly leading out then trailing the favourite Blacks A Fake and taking full advantage of the home straight passing lane to easily outsprint the opposition.
Blacks A Fake was gallant in defeat but was a sitting duck for a lethal passing lane sprinter like Changeover.
Gotta Go Cullen made ground late out wide to finish third and confirm his place in the grand final which will prompt further possible driving problems for Auckland Reactor.
