By MIKE DILLON
Aussie bookmakers are starting to dislike Zonda.
Not because the former outstanding 3-year-old is going to cross the Tasman and pluck their riches - it's because he's staying at home.
Zonda turned six on Monday and has not raced since his 3-year-old season, but bookies were hoping that would all come to an end with a Melbourne spring campaign.
"I can't tell you how much we were hoping Zonda would get here," said Melbourne book manager Brian Taylor.
Trainer Roger James has just brought Zonda back in work, deliberately delaying his preparation to aim at the Australian Cup at Flemington in late summer rather than the spring.
"He and One Under can concentrate on racing at home during the summer," said James yesterday.
"One Under can tackle the big mile races at Ellerslie and Trentham then take on Australia in the autumn. We haven't decided whether that will be in Melbourne or Sydney, but both are well catered for in mares races."
Veteran stayer Cronus and Veejay are the only two possible James candidates for the Melbourne spring carnival. Veejay is owned by casino man Lloyd Williams.
Racing: Zonda's failure to show annoys Australian bookmakers
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