Auckland Reactor tuned up for his North American harness racing debut by winning a qualifier in 1:51.2 on May 13 at the Meadowlands Racetrack. It was the third qualifier victory for the six-year-old, who was New Zealand’s Horse of the Year in 2009.

“I’m very happy; he went extremely well,” trainer Kelvin Harrison said. “We raced him a little bit (in the qualifier). Now we’ll give him a week off and then put him in-to-go.”

Harrison will point Auckland Reactor to the Open at the Meadowlands before making his stakes debut in the Bettor’s Delight at Tioga Downs on June 13.

“You’re always a little anxious (to get started),” Harrison said. “It’s good to have him on track. It’s really good.”

In addition to the Bettor’s Delight, Auckland Reactor also is eligible to the Ben Franklin Pace at Harrah’s Chester as well as stakes at the Meadowlands and in Canada.

Auckland Reactor is predominantly owned by a group of North American owners including Canadian owners Peter Heffering, Tom Kyron, Bill Loyens, Doug Millard, Irv Storfer, Fred Brayford and Dr. Michael Wilson.

This story courtesy of Harness Racing Communications, a division of the U.S. Trotting Association. For more information, visit www.ustrotting.com