Auckland Reactor gelding chasing first win of the season

It’s been one day short of one year since Royal Reactor won a race, but the eight-year-old Auckland Reactor harness racing gelding gets his chance to bounce back into the winners’ list when he lines up in the Downbytheseaside Standing @ Woodlands Stud Pace (2090m) in Hobart on Friday night.

The Ben Richardson-trained pacer has been placed at his last two starts, and has drawn the pole in the national rating 45 to 49 event.

“He is finally getting back to his form again. I’ve had a few issues with him, but he is getting back to his best,” said Richardson.

“He will need a bit of luck on Friday night, barrier one may not suit him the best as he seems to pace better in the running line, but we will see how he goes and leave it up to Ricky (Duggan).

“Ricky loves him. He knows the horse really well and has won a few races on him, and he enjoys driving him.

Royal Reactor, who opened up as the $2.70 favourite for Friday’s event, recorded his last win on 30 August 2024, which was his fourth win of last season, where he was placed a further nine times in 20 starts, with the gelding placed in two of five efforts this year.

“This may be his last season, but if he keeps on earning cheques like he has been, I’m happy to keep him going around,” said Richardson, who has three horses in work at present.

Friday’s program commences at 17:04 and will be shown on Sky Racing 2.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Duncan Dornauf for Tasracing