"But to be honest, the fact he couldn't run past Highview Tommy in that race was a concern."
Purdon says Auckland Reactor has worked well since that last-start sixth but he will need to be right up to his best to win today as he starts off the unruly and the Flying Stakes is a notoriously hard race to come from off the speed in.
"I think this is a crucial race for him because I want to see him go better than last start and be heading forward as we go to the Cup in two weeks."
The same applies to Monkey King, who hardly passed a horse when he finished well back in the same race at Addington.
He has bounced back from mixed form before to win the New Zealand Cup but is also a huge risk for punters today off the unruly.
The start of the 2400m standing event will be crucial, with Terror To Love looking awfully hard to catch if he begins well.
He was impressive downing many of these in that Addington race and could cement himself as the New Zealand-based favourite for the Cup with a win today.
Northerners Gomeo Romeo and Pembrook Benny could be the each way value today, with both suited to the distance and unlucky at Alexandra Park last start.
While Purdon is cautious about the chances of Auckland Reactor he is more confident with returning Interdominion champion I Can Doosit in the Flying Trotters Mile.
The big horse hasn't raced since winning the Rowe Cup in May but looked sharp beating Real Deal Yankee at the trials 12 days ago.
"He feels very strong and while I know it will be hard to beat Raydon and Dr Hook I still think he can win," said Purdon.
Raydon returned with a stunning win at Alexandra Park 10 days ago and from the ace should settle handy or even lead, which makes him the horse to beat.
Flying day
* The Flying Stakes at Ashburton today will be the key lead-up to the New Zealand Cup.
* Both Monkey King and Auckland Reactor need to improve after disappointing last-start runs.
* Interdominion champion trotter I Can Doosit returns in the Flying Mile.
