By MICHAEL GUERIN
The Aussies have declared war on New Zealand racing's favourite son Christian Cullen.
Unimpressed by the stallion's no-show at the upcoming Auckland Cup carnival, leading Sydney bookmaker Steve Single has virtually written Christian Cullen off as a chance of winning the $A1million Interdominions which start in Melbourne next month.
Trainer Brian O'Meara is confident the millionaire pacer will make it back to the track in time for the Interdoms but Single is willing to take him on.
The Sydney bagman opened Christian Cullen at a staggering 10-1 ($11) when the first market for the series was released yesterday, making him just the fifth favourite to win the Grand Final.
Christian Cullen has never paid over $3 for a win in a career that has seen him capture the New Zealand-Auckland Cup double as well as the Miracle Mile last season.
"We all know how good Christian Cullen was last season but that is old news," said Single.
"He hasn't been a factor this season and he is worth risking.
"I expect his real fans will be keen to back him at those odds and I will be happy to let them on."
Christian Cullen has not raced since being beaten in a moderate field at Oamaru in September. He has been suffering from a hoof injury but is expected to be back at the trials next week.
The Interdominions will be the richest harness racing series staged in the Southern Hemisphere and while Christian Cullen is friendless with bookies, New Zealand horses still dominate.
Unbeaten champion Courage Under Fire, who is on track to resume racing at Alexandra Park on December 27, is a 3-1 favourite for the Grand Final, which will be run at Moonee Valley on February 12.
Last Friday's Miracle Mile winner Holmes D G is a 4-1 second favourite while New Zealand Cup hero Homin Hosed is at 6-1.
The only Australian in single figures is Slug Of Jin at 8-1 but the locals will have history on their side as it has been over 20 years since a New Zealand pacer won the Interdoms on Australian soil.
Horse Racing: Bookie writes off Cullen
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