Downunder pacing sensation Auckland Reactor turned in another jaw-dropping performance in New Zealand by breaking the 15-year-old Alexandra Park track record in the $80,000 Franklin Cup.
Trainer Mark Purdon guided the son of Mach Three to his 15th straight win in the 3,200 metre standing start contest, leaving the pacer with an unblemished record. The time of the race was 3:59, with his last mile individually timed in 1:53.2 after coming from the back of the pack just past the halfway point of the race.
The New Zealand record for a mobile start one-mile race is 1:53.2 (1:53.5), and was set 10 years ago.
"It was a huge effort really," said Purdon to Harnesslink after the race. "The timekeeper said he paced his last 800m in 56.4 seconds but he maintained that solid clip for more than 800m. I really asked him to step it up at the bell and he kept on giving.
"I never had to pull the whip on him, but I did shake him up a little in the straight. I still haven't asked for the best of him which is a little scary. He just simply outstays them when other horses would chuck in the towel."
Pacesetter Chesterton (Steven Reid) finished second with New Zealand Cup runner-up Baileys Dream (Todd Mitchell) back in third.
With a ownership stable primarily composed of Canadians - including Fred Brayford, Petter Heffering, Tom Kyron, Bill Loyens, Doug Millard, Irv Storfer and Dr, Mike Wilson - 'The Reactor' has now banked $597,428 lifetime.
The win for Auckland Reactor places him in some elite standardbred company downunder. The win gives him a share of the fourth longest win streak in New Zealand harness racing history with Noodlum. Only Take A Moment (18), "the Freak" Lyell Creek (20) and Courage Under Fire (24) have won more races consecutively.
Auckland Reactor's next race will be at Cambridge Raceway for the $75,000 Sky City Flying Mile in January.
To view the video of the race, click here.
It doesnt really matter if
It doesnt really matter if he could beat sbsw or not. He is still a good horse, its a very diferent style of racing and he is by far the best over there. im not sure he could match the sheer speed of sbsw.
Good horse, but racing over
Good horse, but racing over there with no competition, he couldn't hold SBSW hand, he couldn't hold my hand.
First off a 2 mile race.
First off a 2 mile race. Then a standing Start 20 meters behind most everyone else. Parked out 2 and mostly 3 wide for more than a half mile after the mile marker and still draws away by open lengths at the end!!!! Amazing.... I agree with the above statement " He could give SBSW a run for his money"!!!!!
This sorta reminds me of.... maybe...... Meadow Skipper and a coupla of his sons..... Albatross and Most Happy Fella! Maybe I'm dreamin' too!!!!
It was a standing start
It was a standing start event & he started 20m behind.
He is the best NZ has produced in years, maybe the best ever. He would give SBSW a run for his money
In reply to It was a standing start by Anonymous (not verified)
Very good but not the BEST
Very good but not the BEST