Racing: Ultra sound check for pace star

$4 Million pacer Auckland Reactor will undergo an ultra sound veterinary examination on Wednesday at the Christchurch clinic of Bill Bishop.

The 3-year-old colt's trainer Mark Purdon is still mystified by the injury that robbed his star pacer of a starting berth in last Saturday's Harness Jewels Raceday at Cambridge.

"He must have had a roll in his box and damaged some muscles in his hind quarters. It's one of those injuries you don't have happen that often but it had to happen to the best horse I've ever being involved with," said Purdon.

Purdon was dreading the phone call to syndicate manager John Curtin about the injury that prevented the colt racing for the first time under new ownership.

"The new owners paid huge money for this colt and I had a few sleepless nights when it happened because you worry about the exact extent of the injuries. It appears he's pulled deep muscles in his hind quarters and he may not race for a little while but it's not career threatening."

A North American-based syndicate bought Auckland Reactor for $4 million and he was a hot favourite for the Harness Jewels day.

Purdon has trained a number of pacing stars but is bullish that Auckland Reactor is the best racehorse he has put a sulky behind.

"You don't get a horse like this to train every day and the racing options next season are exciting."

As well, Purdon is looking forward to the New Zealand Cup meeting and options for Australian races.

"The main thing will be to ensure that he gets over this injury and we won't have to do any travelling before the New Zealand Cup meeting as it's right on our back door here in Christchurch."

Auckland Reactor is unbeaten in 11 starts and appears to coast while his rivals try to keep up.

Purdon knows about New Zealand Cup races - he trained and drove Il Vicolo to back-to-back Cup wins.