The Inter Dominion Pacing Championship Series kicked off today at Queensland's Gold Coast and it was not quite the picture perfect start for Auckland Reactor

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With trainer Mark Purdon in the bike, the fan favourite was shuffled back through the field and then charged home but could not catch Karloo Mick, who won the fourth preliminary heat in a mile rating of 1:54.9.

Auckland Reactor, a four-year-old son of Mach Three, has recorded 20 wins in 22 starts for his connections including Canadian owners Peter Heffering, Tom Kyron, Bill Loyens, Doug Millard, Irv Storfer, Fred Brayford and Dr. Michael Wilson.

The first round of heats worth $45,000 a piece were contested over a distance of 1,609 metres with nine starters per heat.

Diamonds N Furs upset in the first heat in a mile rating of 1:54:6. I Am Sam took the second heat (1:54:5) with US import Mr Feelgood finishing in third while the prominent Blacks A Fake won the third heat (1:54:1).

On March 21, three $65,000 heats will be conducted over a distance of 2,100 metres, each with 12 starters.

The top 12 point scorers will contest the $1 million Watpac ID09 Grand Final on March 28, run over 2,609 metres with a $75,000 Consolation on the same night over 2,100 metres.

To view Saturday's results, click here.

(With files from id09.com.au)