Auckland Reactor came from last at the 800m to win a heat at the Ashburton trials yesterday.
Auckland Reactor, making his first public appearance since failing in America in June, had a soft palate operation in October.
Auckland Reactor settled at the rear after going off stride in the run up.
The 6yr-old entire ran the 2400m (mobile) in 3.04.9, with the final 800m being run in 55.8 and the final 400m in 27.
Auckland Reactor is to have a trial at Motukarara next Wednesday before resuming racing at Ashburton over a mile on February 12.
The basic stake for the open free-for-all mile on the day of mile racing at Ashburton will be $15,000.
If the winner breaks the New Zealand record of 1.52.1 set on the track in 2009 by Kiwi Ingenuity, a bonus of $10,000 will be paid.
In addition, if the winner can break 1.50, a further $10,000 will be payable.
