Trio shorten for NZ Cup

Kiwi Ingenuity, Changeover and Mr Feelgood have all shortened in the betting for Tuesday's New Zealand Cup following the Cup trial at Addington last night.

Kiwi Ingenuity was a $4 favourite today for the $1 million Cup following her win in the 2600m trial, after starting out at $5 when the TAB's final field book opened yesterday.

She galloped at the start but sprinted to sit outside Karloo Mick at the 900m. She shook him off early in the straight and won by a head from Changeover. She paced the event in 3min 18sec, her last 80m in 55.3sec.

Last year's New Zealand Cup winner, Changeover, tightened in today to $5 from $7 on the back of his effort. While he has not won a race since the Cup and has had an interrupted and controversial leadup this season, he seems to be coming right just when it counts.

Mr Feelgood was another big mover today, from $9 into $7, after not being extended to finish fifth in the trial and drawing two on the front line in the Cup.

Karloo Mick was third in the trial ahead of Monkey King, who stormed home in 54.5sec over his last 800m.

Monkey King was at $6 for the Cup today, ahead of Karloo Mick on $7 and another Australian Smoken Up at $8.

Smoken Up, from Victoria, and Be Good Johnny and Washakie, from Queensland, arrived in Christchurch yesterday.

Trainer Lance Justice was bullish yesterday about Smoken Up's chances.

"He's put on weight since his last run, he's worked sensationally and he's ready for the trip. He's ready to run the race of his life."

It was announced today that Nevele R Stud had bought Changeover for an undisclosed sum, pending a fertility test.

"It is planned that Changeover will continue to race for the ATC Trot 2006 Syndicate, through to the 2010 Auckland Cup, at which time he will be retired to stand at stud the following season, at Nevele R Stud," stud general manager Peter O'Rourke said.

Auckland Reactor, who will start in a group three junior free-for-all on Cup day, showed he was in good form when winning a mobile 1950m pace easily at the trials yesterday.