KEY POINTS:
New Zealand's chances of winning the Interdominions have received a huge blow with the withdrawal of Sly Flyin.
The north's best open class pacer was the only New Zealander among the favourites for the pacing series after he capped an amazing spring comeback by winning the New Zealand Free-For-All last month.
But owner Greg Brodie has pulled the pin on the Interdoms, preferring to aim the veteran pacer at the Hunter Cup in February.
"Greg thought this was the right time to give him a brief let-up, especially with the Interdoms being split between two venues," said trainer driver Tony Herlihy.
With Mainland Banner, Pay Me Christian and Baileys Dream also not heading to the Interdoms, which culminate in the A$500,000 ($571,000) final in Adelaide on January 13, NZ has few realistic chances in the series. Only Foreal, Winforu and Tribute would be rated serious hopes of making the final.
Meanwhile, Kiwi chances of a major Australian victory received a boost yesterday when Glenbogle drew barrier two in the A$50,000 Bill Collins Mile at Moonee Valley on Saturday night.
He will be followed out by his stablemate Whatsundermykilt, giving the pair a chance to down Aussie hotshot A Touch Of Flair, who drew barrier seven.
