Racing: Auckland Reactor in US

Anything but a win will be considered a setback when Auckland Reactor launches his North American career tomorrow.

The one-time wonder pacer turned forgotten horse of New Zealand harness racing will face his first serious US test in a US$32,000 open pace at The Meadowlands, New Jersey, around 2pm New Zealand time tomorrow.

The Auckland Cup winner has not raced since his dismal failure in the Miracle Mile in Sydney in November, after which he was transferred to former New Zealand trainer Kelvin Harrison in New Jersey.

Harrison is thrilled with how the 5-year-old has settled in after initially picking up a slight virus.

Auckland Reactor has since trialled three times at The Meadowlands and impressed leading driver Brian Sears when winning his latest, albeit weak, workout by 14 lengths.

He paced a 1:51.4 mile on that occasion but will almost certainly have to go faster in tomorrow's race.

He has drawn barrier three in the small field but is up against two pacers who have broken 1:49 for a mile this season. While that sounds staggeringly fast compared with Australian times, sub 1:50 miles are now commonplace in decent open aged races at The Meadowlands and it would surprise if Auckland Reactor could not go that quick tomorrow.

And if he is going to be competitive on the major stakes circuit for older pacers, which starts in three weeks, he should win tomorrow.

Fans of Auckland Reactor can monitor his progress on The Meadowlands official website: www.thebigm.com.

But those willing to wait till Monday should be able to watch a full replay on Trackside television.

While the TAB has no immediate plans to screen or provide betting on Auckland Reactor's races, its broadcasting partner Sky Australia is looking into taking selected North American harness racing and if that involved Auckland Reactor, Trackside would be likely to provide coverage.