Herlihy behind Auckland Reactor in Miracle Mile

THE PRESS

TRIPPING: Auckland Reactor will make the trip to Australia for the Miracle Mile despite a shock defeat in the New Zealand Free-For-All at Addington.

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Champion pacer Auckland Reactor will take on the Miracle Mile in Sydney with top driver Tony Herlihy at the reins, as he seeks to atone for a shock defeat in the NZ Free For All on Friday.

John Curtin, spokesman for the syndicate of mainly North Americans that owns Auckland Reactor, said it was decided yesterday to accept an invitation issued on Saturday by NSW Harness officials.

It had not been a hard decision to make, he said.

The $A500,000 Miracle Mile is to be run on the new Menangle track near Sydney on November 29.

New Zealand Cup and FFA winner Monkey King, Blacks A Fake, Melpark Major and Smoken Up are horses invited so far, with two more positions open.

Herlihy would take over the drive to give Mark Purdon more time to concentrate on getting the horse ready and news media obligations, Curtin said yesterday.

"He's the best in the world, and it takes a bit of pressure off Mark," he said. "We spoke to Tony a few days ago, it was Mark's idea to put Tony on."

The field for the Miracle Mile was excellent, and it was shaping as a great race, Curtin said.

Auckland Reactor would still have made the trip, even if Herlihy had been unable to take the drive, Curtin said.

It would be a good opportunity for Auckland Reactor to atone for his shock loss at Addington on Friday, when he faded out after being given no rest in the lead.

Auckland Reactor finished fifth in the FFA after being taken on in front by Awesome Armbro, the second string behind Changeover, from Geoff Small's stable.

Changeover trailed Awesome Armbro, who started to drift before the turn and broke in the straight. Changeover ran to the lead in the straight before being passed by Nearea Franco and then eventual winner Monkey King.

Stewards charged Awesome Armbro's driver, Phillip Butcher, of driving in a manner that diminished his horse's chances of winning.

Tempers flared after the race, with Purdon and one of Auckland Reactor's owners Gary Lyons abusing Butcher. Stewards later spoke to Lyons.

- NZPA