Ex Kiwi bounces back from broken jaw

A fractured jaw delayed Our Classie Reactor’s harness racing debut on Australian soil, but it hasn’t been enough to stop Kerryn Manning’s exciting prospect create an immediate impact in his new home country.

The former Kiwi, who is owned by Manning’s long-time supporters Merv and Meg Butterworth, has made a real impression in his two Aussie starts to date with big wins at Ballarat and Terang.

It’s an impressive start to life Down Under, particularly given the circumstances that saw him off the scene due to an injury late last year.

“We thought it was just an infection in his jaw. He was on antibiotics for ages and eventually they decided they’d x-ray it, and sure enough there was a fracture,” the Great Western trainer said.

“Obviously, he ran into a post or got kicked in the head by another horse. They had to wire it to stabilise it, so that’s why he had a fair bit of time off since he’s been in Australia.

“He was basically ready to go and that happened.”

After nine starts and two wins in New Zealand, the son of Auckland Reactor had to wait close to 500 days before he’d race again.

His time to return eventually came in early June, and it could barely have been more impressive. As a short-priced favourite at Bray Raceway, he sat back in the field and came with a sustained run out wide to thrash his rivals by more than 10m on the line.

He went to Terang a couple of weeks later and produced an even bigger demolition job, winning by close to 30m.

Now comes the next test: a further step-up in class at Victorian harness racing headquarters this Friday night.

“He certainly was graded well which made him look better, but he certainly didn’t go too bad at all. He certainly felt quite good and felt like he could go another lap… each time he just did that really easy,” Manning said of the horse’s wins at Ballarat and Terang.

“Friday, obviously they are a bit better horses, but there’s no superstars in there.

“I don’t know how far he will go. The way he goes might be more of an issue when he gets in better races. He’s not unsafe, he’s just an awkward-going sort of horse.

“The way he’s done it, you’d think he should go close Friday, but it’s hard to know.”

Manning will also take the reins behind Our Classie Reactor, who has drawn barrier four for the APG Bringing The Sales & Races To Owners Pace (second heat).

Rob Auber will be in studio to support caller Dan Mielicki for another big night of Trots Vision coverage at Tabcorp Park Melton, which will play host to Friday night meetings through until July 23.

The first race of 10 kicks off from 5.30pm.

By Tim O’Connor for HRV