KEY POINTS:
It took just over three minutes for Auckland Reactor to remind everybody just how good he is yesterday.
The champion pacer returned to the trials with a blazing win over Harness Jewels heroine Nearea Franco in an almost perfect comeback.
Almost, because the 4-year-old did gallop briefly at the start of the 2400m trial.
That cost him 15m but he effortlessly recovered to win by half a length in a smart 3:3 for the 2400m.
The latter sectionals were far more impressive, with Auckland Reactor pacing his last 1600m in 1:57, his final 800m in 54.8 and 400 in 26.3 seconds.
While those times are not unusual for a top class pacer on the lightning fast Ashburton track, they are extremely good for a horse having its first public outing since May.
Trainer-driver Mark Purdon was happy but far from surprised.
"He had been working well and a horse like him should be able to run those times but he felt very good."
Auckland Reactor will trial again next week before resuming racing on October 27.
Purdon will then plan his summer racing schedule.
