Racing: Smoken Up not ready for Auckland Cup

The ironman of pacing Smoken Up isn't the horse they have to fear most. Photo / Harness Racing Victoria

The greatest potential thorn in Auckland Reactor's side heading into the Auckland Trotting Cup has been removed.

And that could see the superstar pacer shorten into $2.50 for the March 11 classic at Alexandra Park by the end of this week.

Australian hardman Smoken Up will miss the Auckland Cup after being withdrawn by trainer Lance Justice yesterday.

Justice says the Miracle Mile winner simply couldn't be fit enough to win the 2700m thriller.

"He had a virus about a month ago and while he worked well today he isn't ready to go to Auckland and beat those horses," said Justice yesterday.

"It is going to be a hot field so there is no point busting him before the Interdoms."

While Smoken Up was rated only an $8 chance by TAB bookies to win the Auckland Cup, his nuisance value to Auckland Reactor was far greater than that.

He is a relentless, on-the-pace runner with the gate speed to lead and stay there, which could have had a hugely detrimental effect on Auckland Reactor, who is at his best when he can stroll to the front without mental pressure.

While a lot can happen between now and the Cup, Auckland Reactor's trainer-driver Mark Purdon will feel a little more comfortable knowing the road to the winner's circle doesn't run through Smoken Up.

Auckland Reactor was $3 in Auckland Cup markets last night but once TAB bookies get a whiff of the Smoken Up news he should shorten further.

The pair are still set to meet in the Interdominions, which start at Addington on March 25.

"He will return to racing at Geelong next week and I still think he will be at the Interdoms," said Justice.

One Victorian star who won't be at the Interdoms is trotter Down Under Muscles.

The 5-year-old speed machine has been scratched by trainer Chris Alford after a shocker at Melton on Friday night.

"He has lost his confidence," said Alford.

"I am sure I can get him back to his best but not in time for the Interdoms."

Those two withdrawals aside, the Auckland Cup and Interdominions are holding together well, with Addington officials even clinging to the smallest glimmer of hope than Blacks A Fake may make the series.

He blew out in the market after suffering a heart problem in trackwork nine days ago but trainer Natalie Rasmussen has stopped short of scratching him.

"She has had him vetted and still says it is not impossible he will be here," said Addington boss Shane Glory.

Auckland Cup contender Themightyquinn has settled in well in Auckland and could trial this week, while New South Wales pacer Excel Stride is in the fields for Alexandra Park on Friday.

A sluggish start was overcome for a sound day at the yearling sales in Christchurch yesterday.

With three days of sales ahead at the uninspiring Canterbury Agricultural Park bidding was understandably slow after a $67,500 opening lot but some of the industry's big players waded in later to set up a good day. The top price was the $160,000 paid by Cullen Breeding for a son of Christian Cullen from a hot North American family.

Emilio Rosati, from Sydney, went to $130,000 for a sister to Caduceus Club Classic winner Rona Lorraine.

The move to use the third day of the sale for less commercial stock meant fewer down patches and the overall average was in line with expectation, with a clearance rate of about 78 per cent.