Racing: Chance to watch top NZ pacer

Tim Butt. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Auckland Reactor fans have been gifted a chance to watch the Kiwi pacer start his Interdominion tilt at a reasonable hour this Friday.

Perth harness racing officials, aware of the interest in Auckland Reactor in the series, have scheduled his heat as the second race on the opening night of the series.

That means he will race at 6.33pm Perth time, or 11.33pm New Zealand time, not an obscene time for regular Friday night harness punters.

Especially compared with the last heat on Friday night, which features series favourite I'm Themighthyquinn, at 2.30am NZ time on Saturday.

The five-hour time difference between West Australia and New Zealand is going to test even the keenest fans, but Auckland Reactor's West Australian debut will be worth seeing.

He has drawn barrier three over the 1700m, just outside Washakie, who likes to lead but doesn't have Auckland Reactor's sheer class.

The other highlight of the opening night is the clash between former Tim Butt stablemates Mr Feelgood and Raglan, while Smoken Up and I'm Themightyquinn will start very short in their weaker heats.

Meanwhile, New Zealand Cup winner Terror To Love looked sharp on the comeback trail at the Addington trials yesterday as he prepares for the Auckland Cup on March 9.

So, too, did Smolda, who downed Beach Bunny and Franco Emirate in a 1950m trial.