KEY POINTS:
TAB bookmakers say they had no choice but to make Auckland Reactor favourite for the New Zealand Trotting Cup - even though the champion pacer remains an unlikely starter.
The unbeaten pacer isn't even nominated for the $1.2 million Cup at Addington on November 11 but is now the $2.50 favourite.
Harness bookie Steve Richardson says he was forced to put Auckland Reactor in the market when a punter rang and asked for a quote on Sunday.
"If somebody wants to back any horse who might start, we have to offer them the odds," said Richardson.
A total of only $1200 was bet on Auckland Reactor by two punters.
Trainer Mark Purdon remains coy about whether Auckland Reactor could be a shock late entry into the race, which would require an expensive late entry fee.
Auckland Reactor will resume racing at Ashburton next Monday but will not clash with Changeover and co. in the Flying Stakes, taking in the easier six win and faster race.
"At this stage the Cup is not our main aim but we will monitor things in the next week," said Purdon.
"I suppose things could change but if he is to start in the Cup he would need to race in the Kaikoura Cup [November 3] as well."
Richardson said Auckland Reactor would be a certain favourite if he contested the Cup.
* Auckland Cup winner Gotta Go Cullen will make a shock appearance at Cambridge on Thursday in a free-for-all as his next step to the Cup.
